Phil Jaques signs for Worcestershire

Phil Jaques, the left-handed Australian opener, has signed for Worcestershire for the 2006 and 2007 seasons. Jaques, 26, spent a year with Northamptonshire in 2003 before joining Yorkshire in 2004.

This season he amassed 1359 runs at an average of 64.7 for Yorkshire and, last year, he was one of only three Australians to reach the 1000-run mark in the Pura Cup. Worcestershire's coach, Steve Rhodes, is delighted to have secured Jaques' services: "Phil is a prolific run-scorer who has a career average of 55," he said. "To have such a heavy run-scorer at the top of the order for the next two seasons will be a huge bonus to the Worcestershire squad."

Jaques has yet to represent Australia, but last month he toured Pakistan and helped Australia A win the one-day series. "There was quite a bit of interest in me from several counties, but once I spoke to Worcestershire I had absolutely no doubts where I wanted to play my cricket for the next two years," Jaques told the website of his management company, Stellar Group.

"Worcestershire have the makings of an excellent side and we must set our sights very high, not just next season, but the season after as well," he added. "The challenge of helping the side reach its full potential and gain promotion to the top division is something that really excites me and was a major factor in my decision to sign."