Worcestershire hope to secure Hayward

Nantie Hayward might yet be returning to Worcestershire this season, to honour the second year of his contract, despite his eagerness to resume his international career with South Africa.

In 2003, Hayward's decision to take a break from the international scene brought him into conflict with the United Cricket Board of South Africa, but this time around there is a clause in his contract which facilitates his release to play for his country.

"If he is given a central contract, he may be asked not to play county cricket," said Worcestershire's chief executive, Mark Newton. "We need to talk to him and the cricket board over there to see how he's getting on, and come up with a decision."

Hayward, 26, is eager to put his differences with the board behind him. "I would love to go back to South Africa and speak to the selectors and maybe play internationals again," he said at the end of last season. "That's my biggest thing now - to go back home, speak to whoever I have to speak to and play international cricket again."

Hayward has taken 50 wickets in 14 Tests, but has not represented South Africa for over a year. He was a huge success for Worcestershire last season, taking 63 wickets at 23 a piece, to help his side earn promotion to the top division. South Africa tour New Zealand next month, but are not scheduled to play again until the tour of Sri Lanka in August.