Price signs for Worcestershire

Ray Price, the Zimbabwean left-arm spinner, is the latest player to sign for an English county as a non-overseas player under the "Kolpak" ruling. Price, 28, has agreed a two-year deal with Worcestershire, and is available to play as soon as possible.

Before the so-called Zimbabwean rebel players had their dispute with the board, Price had been an integral part of the Zimbabwean Test attack, taking 69 wickets in 18 matches. He also played in 26 one-dayers.

He will qualify as a local player because Zimbabwe has a trade agreement with the European Union. Maros Kolpak, a Slovakian handball player, went to the European Court in a bid to play in Germany without being classed as a foreigner because he came from a non-European Union country. His victory meant that workers from around 100 countries who have trade agreements with the EU are now protected by European employment laws.

Price, nephew of the major-winning golfer, Nick Price, has now set his sights on a career in England with an eye to qualifying for the national side - watch out Ashley Giles. Price said: "I have always wanted to play county cricket and am really looking forward to the challenge."

"In the short-term his experience and skill will help us finish our season in style," Tom Moody, Worcestershire's head coach, said: "His attitude and work ethic will give us a timely boost for the final five weeks of the season."