WORCESTERSHIRE director of cricket Steve Rhodes has ended a two-year chase for Ashley Noffke after the Australian all-rounder signed up as the County’s overseas player for next season.

The New Road side have wasted little time in securing their overseas player with Rhodes wrapping up the deal while he was on holiday in the Caribbean last week before announcing the signature today — beating off competition from three other counties.

The 31-year-old Australian international starred with the bat and ball last season for Queensland after taking 51 first-class wickets at 19.03 and scoring 741 runs at 46.31.

“Ashley is a quality bowler,” Rhodes said. “I’ve been trying to get him for the last two years and I’m delighted that we’ve finally got his signature.

“We have been in regular contact during that time and I’m sure that has helped secure him for next season.”

But more than just bolstering the Worcestershire bowling attack in the top flight of the County Championship, Noffke will add depth to the New Road batting line-up.

Having already had experience of the English summer with spells at newly-crowned county champions Durham, Gloucestershire and Middle-sex, he should have no problems in settling in when he arrives in April next year.

“Ashley will come in and bat at number seven,” Rhodes said.

“It will make other counties take note of our batting with Gareth Batty and Kabir Ali dropping down the order, making them probably the best number eight and nine in the country.”

Following the retirement of Graeme Hick in the summer, Worcestershire appeared to be lacking a little in experience, but with Noffke coming in, the New Road squad is looking in good shape for next season.

“I’m certain that I can play a big role in what I expect to be a successful season,” Noffke said.

“The club has just had an excellent summer in gaining promotion and they have put together a squad capable of challenging for silverware on all fronts.”

Noffke has made a good start to the Sheffield Shield campaign this term, picking up six wickets in Queensland’s first game, but the concern for Rhodes is that the Australian selectors may look to bring the Indian Premier League star back into the international fold.

“Ashley was hurt that he didn’t make the current tour to India,” said Rhodes. “He missed out to Peter Siddle and Doug Bollinger.

“But the good thing for me is that he wants to get back into that squad.

“If it happens before he comes over, which I think is unlikely, then so be it — I’ll have to start looking again.”