WORCESTERSHIRE'S Australian batsman Callum Ferguson will be their main overseas player for 2019.

Ferguson, 33, will link up with the County on May 1 and is expected to be available for most of next season.

He has been playing white-ball cricket this year but in 2019 will feature in all formats.

The right-hander hit 192 on his debut in the Royal London One-Day Cup clash against Leicestershire Foxes for the highest List A score by a County batsman.

He then smashed 159 not out at home to Northamptonshire Steelbacks.

Ferguson has scored consistently in the Vitality Blast too and on Saturday made 106no in the win at Notts Outlaws.

But he also has a good record in first-class cricket and head coach Kevin Sharp admitted: “We didn’t know too much about Callum.

"He came to play some white-ball cricket for us and has excelled.

“It’s not just his skill as a batsman, it is the way he is as a person. He is a caring, smart individual who understands the game and understands people.

“He has fitted in superbly here so it was a no-brainer really to have him come back for a longer period next season.

“Callum was keen to come back and the very fact he is going to be with us for most of the season gives us that stabilising factor as well.

“He has played a lot of cricket, his stats are good so the very fact we have found him and no one else has is going to be to our benefit.

“The 192 against Leicestershire was up there with the best innings you will see and the other night at Trent Bridge in different circumstances he played with great maturity and skill as did Mo (Moeen Ali)."

County CEO Matt Rawnsley said: “We are delighted that Callum will be coming back next summer and playing all facets of the game.

“He has added a huge amount of value on and off the field this year, clearly a quality player but also his experience that he brings to the group and in the dressing room is something we’ve really valued.

“His performances have been excellent and us committing to him for next year demonstrates what we think of him.

“In this changing landscape of when players are available, particularly for next year with the World Cup as well in the UK, for us to have an overseas player of true quality for the majority of the season — five months — is going to be a great asset for us.”

Ferguson is delighted to be returning and it will be on the back of his marriage to police officer Rhiannon Eglinton in April.

He said: “It has been a great experience this year. I’ve probably ended up playing up a bit more for Worcestershire this year than I expected when initially coming over.

“That has been really exciting. We’re in a good position this year, winning lots of games of cricket, and I’m really looking forward to getting the band back together next year as you might put it!

“I’ll be coming back and playing with such an exciting, young and talented group of players. I’m really grateful for the opportunity.

“It will be great to play the red-ball stuff as well and have virtually a full season over here, a real experience that I’ve wanted to get a hold of. To be offered it by Worcestershire next year is something I’m excited about.”