Hall keen to stay with Worcestershire

Andrew Hall, the South African allrounder who bowled Worcestershire to victory in their tense C&G semi-final, is hoping to sign a new deal to stay at New Road next season.

It has been a momentous few days for Hall, who had been a part of South Africa's one-day squad, but had not been expected to play a part in the Tests until Jacques Kallis was forced to withdraw from the Lord's Test because of the death of his father.

Hall took his opportunity, and picked up five cheap wickets as England were routed by an innings in the second Test. He then obtained special permission to return to Worcester for their crucial semi-final against Lancashire, and duly bowled them to victory by six runs with a sensational double-wicket maiden in the very last over of the match.

He has already been cleared by South Africa to play in the final against Gloucestershire on 30 August, but is keen to extend his stay into the 2004 season. "I am hoping to get the future tied up soon," he said. "We've not had serious discussions yet but we are in the beginning stages.

"Hopefully everything will come off towards the end of the month or by the middle of next month and then we will know for certain where I stand. But I'm keen to come back. I definitely want to come back next year. I've had a tremendous time here. I am very happy and would love to come back."

Hall was keen to thank Worcestershire for their part in his development this season. "From a personal point of view I've done really well this summer," he added. "I've been selected by my country and a lot of thanks must go to Worcestershire. They've done a lot of work with me, [director of cricket] Tom Moody and all the players. I want to say thanks for that."