Worcestershire sign Fidel Edwards

Worcestershire have signed Fidel Edwards, the West Indian fast bowler, as their overseas player for the second half of the 2008 season. Edwards is expected to join the club in time for their match against Northamptonshire on July 10, subject to clearance from the West Indies Cricket Board.

Worcestershire had failed to sign Shane Bond, the former New Zealand fast bowler, after several weeks of negotiations but are confident in the international experience Edwards brings to the club.

"Fidel is an International strike bowler with 30 Test matches under his belt who has the ability to bowl at 90 mph. His pace and aggression will suit Worcestershire for the second half of the season when the wickets have dried out," Steve Rhodes, Worcestershire' director of cricket, said. "He is exciting to watch and will add even more venom to our bowling attack."

Edwards, 26, said that playing county cricket had been an ambition for some time, and that he was excited at the opportunity to join the club. "I have heard it is hard work but I like it when I am being tested. It's going to be a learning experience for me and I am willing to give whatever experience I have gained from playing test cricket. I can't wait to be there."

Edwards has taken 75 Test and 44 one-day international wickets respectively.