Mason qualifies for England

Matt Mason, the Worcestershire fast bowler, is now available to play for England having completing the four year residential qualification period. Mason, 31, is originally from Perth but was signed by Tom Moody for the 2002 season and was not classed as an overseas player because of his Irish passport.

The Worcestershire chief executive, Mark Newton, said: I am pleased for both Matt and the Club that we have received this confirmation. Matt has settled well in the area and is an essential part of our squad. He has signed a three year contract which will take him through to the end of the 2008 season and recently got married to Kelly. He is almost a proper 'Pom' now so I wonder what would happen if he suddenly found himself selected for next winter's Ashes tour."

Mason has been a consistent wicket taker for Worcestershire and last season took 53 wickets at 28 apiece. This decision also has financial implications for the club. Under the relatively new distribution formula agreed by the counties with the ECB, every county gets financially penalised if it plays less than nine players qualified to play for England in any game.