Worcestershire net Fisher

Worcestershire have signed former Gloucestershire left-arm spinner Ian Fisher on a one-year contract for the 2009 season.

The 32-year-old had been released by Gloucestershire who finished bottom of Division Two of the LV County Championship.

Bradford-born Fisher also previously had a spell with his native Yorkshire.

He becomes Worcestershire’s first signing since gaining promotion to Division One of the championship and will provide competition in the spin department to Gareth Batty.

Ian Fisher will ply his trade with Worcestershire in 2009

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The county’s director of cricket, Steve Rhodes, said: “We have been looking for a left-arm spinner, primarily for one-day cricket, for some time.

“Ian’s experience of the one-day game, and specifically Twenty20 cricket, can only be of benefit to us in 2009. He will bring a variety to our attack that we missed last year.”

Fisher said “I’m looking forward to furthering my career in Worcester and am delighted to be given this opportunity by the county.

“I’m excited by the prospect of Division One cricket and I’ll be striving to contribute during the 2009 season.

“Things weren’t great at Gloucestershire last season. There were a lot of comings and goings. At times it was like a revolving door and that can have an effect on players.

“I was a little surprised when I was released by Gloucestershire but I’m delighted to get this chance.”

Fisher has taken 157 first class wickets plus 49 in List ‘A’ matches and a further 27 in Twenty20 cricket.

Meanwhile, 21-year-old seamer Richard Jones will train with the club this winter while they decide whether to offer him a new contract.