Worcs fail in Noffke bid

Ashley Noffke

Worcestershire have been unsuccessful in their attempt to sign Australian all-rounder Ashley Noffke as their overseas player for the 2008 campaign.

Worcestershire enquired about the availability of Noffke, who is the second highest wicket-taker in this season’s Pura Cup with 31 victims in six matches for Queensland and has also scored over 500 runs at an average of 54.

But their hopes of capturing the 30-year-old. who previously had a spell with Gloucestershire, have been dashed.

Worcestershire chief executive Mark Newton said: "Noffke was of real interest to us. He is one of a number of players that we have made enquiries about but we believe we are no longer in the running for him."

The county, who announced losses in excess of £1million on Monday after the severe floods which engulfed New Road last summer, have linked up with former director of cricket Tom Moody in an attempt to solve their overseas player situation.

Newton said: "Steve Rhodes (director of cricket) has been talking to Tom about the form players in Australia at the moment but nothing is imminent at present."

Newton also ruled out making an approach to Pakistan all-rounder Abdul Razzaq, who had a spell with the county during the second half of last season but reversed his decision to retire from international cricket in August.

"We haven't spoken to Abdul but now he is back in the Pakistan fold we assume he is under the same restrictions as their other internationals,” said Newton.