Andrew joins Worcestershire

20 September 2007 | By Justin Goulding

Gareth Andrew © Getty Images

Worcestershire have bolstered their seam-bowling department with the signing of Gareth Andrew from Somerset.

The 23-year-old right-arm medium-fast bowler - a former England Under-19 international - moves to New Road on a two-year contract starting next season.

Andrew has not played a first-class match this summer, and took just two wickets at an average of 58 in two NatWest Pro40 outings.

Though he played a prominent role in Somerset’s Twenty20 Cup triumph in 2005, he has found opportunities increasingly hard to come by at Taunton in the last two seasons.

Andrew said: “I'm thrilled to have signed for Worcestershire and am already looking forward to joining the squad in 2008.

“I have come up through the Somerset youth system and I am thankful for all the help I have received.

“This is a career move which should give me more opportunity of playing first XI cricket.”

Worcestershire director of cricket Steve Rhodes said: “We thank Somerset for allowing us to talk to Gareth and I am delighted that he has agreed to join us next year.

“It is no secret we need to improve our seam-bowling resources and I believe that Gareth will really strengthen our team in that department and give us the depth we need.

“He is hungry for success, which is a characteristic I look for in any player.”