Nadeem Malik, 22, has signed a three year contract with Worcestershire which will keep him at the county until 2008. Malik joined Worcestershire in 2004 from Nottinghamshire, and in his first season he took 24 wickets and has so far taken 36 this season.

Head coach of Worcestershire and former England wicketkeeper, Steve Rhodes, was delighted to secure Malik's services: "Nadeem is a talented young bowler with the ability to be selected for the National Academy. To secure the services of such a young talent shows how committed the club is to developing young English players."

Malik himself was delighted to be staying with Worcestershire. "I have really enjoyed the last two years at the club and have been pleased with my progress so far. Over the next three years I want to help the club be successful."