Mason stays with Worcestershire

Matt Mason will continue to combine the roles of veteran seamer and bowling coach at New Road for a further year

Worcestershire seamer Matt Mason has signed a new one-year contract that will keep him at New Road until the end of next season.

The Australia-born 36-year-old, who is not classed as an overseas player because he holds an Irish passport, has been a consistent performer since joining the county in 2002.

He will also continue in his role as the club’s bowling coach, a role he has combined with playing duties for the last two seasons.

“I am obviously very pleased to sign another playing contract for Worcestershire,” said Mason. “I have thoroughly enjoyed this season and I am very excited about next year.

“Steve Rhodes has put together a very young and exciting team and I look forward to helping these players as much as I can both as a player and coach. This club has a big future and I am proud to still be part of it.”

Director of cricket Rhodes added: “Matt is still a top-class bowler in both four-day and one-day cricket and plays a very important role in helping our young bowlers develop both in the nets and during matches.

“His experience is invaluable. He is a very popular player with team-mates and I know he is very committed to the future of Worcestershire cricket, so I am delighted he has agreed to this new contract.”

Mason has taken 29 wickets at 26.62 apiece in seven LV= County Championship games this summer, although he has played just two limited-overs matches.