RISING fast bowling stars Chris Liptrot and Kabir Ali are off to Australia after becoming the first players to benefit from the newly-established Worcestershire County Cricket Supporters Association Scholarships.

The pair, both aged 21, will spend the winter at a training camp in Perth, where they will receive specialist coaching and enjoy the benefits of a warm winter environment to develop their skills.

The Scholarship Fund, worth £10,000, has been established through the generosity of the Supporters Association and will cover all the expenses incurred in sending them to Australia.

Liptrot has now signed a two-year extension to his contract, taking him through to the end of the 2003 season.

Both players have performed impressively this season, although Kabir is currently out of action after dislocating his shoulder in the recent floodlit Norwich Union League clash with Durham at New Road.

The County's Director of Cricket Tom Moody said: "Chris and Kabir are integral to our future plans at the club and this opportunity will enable them to develop their fitness and skills in a cricket-orientated environment. They will come back better players.

"I am very grateful to the Supporters Association for their support and hope Chris and Kabir will be the first of many to benefit from these awards."

Supporters Association chairman Ken Mills added: "The Supporters Association are very pleased to create these scholarships, as we believe they will help both players develop their careers and as a result their contribution to Worcestershire cricket.

"Our members work hard to raise funds for the club and feel Chris and Kabir are worthy recipients."

n Pictured above at the announcement at New Road are (left to right) Supporters Association chairman Ken Mills, president Betty Godfrey, Kabir Ali, Director of Cricket Tom Moody, Chris Liptrot, cricket committee chairman Martin Horton and Supporters Association treasurer Bob Brookes. 35379910