Mason qualifies for England

Matt Mason has completed his residency and can now play for England should he be selected

Worcestershire fast bowler Matt Mason has officially become available to play for England having fulfilled his four-year residential qualification.

Originally from Perth, Mason was signed by Tom Moody in time for the 2002 season and quickly established himself as a firm favourite with his fellow players and spectators alike.

He has an Irish passport and qualifies having spent a minimum of 210 days as a resident in the UK for each of the last four years.

Chief Executive, Mark Newton, said: "I am pleased for both Matt and the club that we have received this confirmation. Matt has settled well in the area and is an essential part of our squad.

“He has signed a three-year contract which will take him through to the end of the 2008 season and recently got married to Kelly.

“He is almost a proper 'Pom' now so I wonder what would happen if he suddenly found himself selected for next winter's Ashes tour."

This decision also has financial implications for the club. Under the relatively new distribution formula agreed by the counties with the ECB, every county gets financially penalised if it plays less than nine players qualified to play for England in any game.