Nel pens Pears deal

Twenty20 / Editor / 22 May 2007 / Leave a Comment

Worcestershire have signed Scotland international Dewald Nel until the end of the season as they look to kick-start their ailing season in Division One of the County Championship.

The New Road outfit sit bottom of the table after four matches, with three defeats and just one draw to show for their efforts this term, and are the outsiders to win the title in Betfair's Division One winner's market, where Yorkshire trade as the 2.92 favourites.

Nel has completed a successful 10-day short-term spell with the county and the Pears director of cricket Steve Rhodes was happy with what he saw.

"Dewald has impressed during the 10 days with us," he said. "We have some injury problems in the seam bowling department so his signing can only help us whilst giving him an opportunity to establish a career in first-class cricket.

"We will work closely with Scottish Cricket to make sure he is available for their major matches."

The South Africa-born paceman will be released, if selected, to play for Scotland in their upcoming one-day internationals against Pakistan, West Indies and India this summer as well as September's Twenty20 World Championships in South Africa.

Nel will get the chance to help out his new team-mates on Thursday when Worcestershire entertain fellow strugglers Sussex, who sit in sixth place in the top flight table and watch out for the Betfair market to develop for the vital clash in the county's fight to stave off relegation.