Zaheer hopeful of returning to Worcester

Zaheer Khan, the Indian left-arm seamer, has said that he would like to continue his association with Worcestershire after enjoying a successful stint with the county side this season.

Zaheer was drafted in as a last-minute replacement for Australian paceman Nathan Bracken, and is currently the leading wicket-taker of the second division of the County Championship with 69 wickets, a figure surpassed this season only by Mushtaq Ahmed, the Pakistan legspinner, now playing for Sussex. Though he was omitted from the Indian touring squad for Sri Lanka, he was later included among the 30 probables for the Champions Trophy in October.

"Worcester is definitely a place I'd like to come back to next year," he told Sky Sports. "I've really enjoyed this season. The dressing room has been great and I have made a lot of new friends.

"The ground here is also very beautiful and hopefully if things go well I might come back next year. I've not really had any discussions with the club so far and am just focusing on finishing the season on a good note."

Zaheer was also hopeful of making a comeback to the Indian side on the back of his performances. "India are touring England for three months next season so that might be a factor. I am very hopeful of being recalled to the Indian side very soon. It will be down to my performances and that is in my hands.

"But if I can't come back to Worcester next season, I would definitely like to come back here some time in the future."