WORCESTERSHIRE'S director of cricket Steve Rhodes is backing Graeme Hick to bounce back from the disappointments of 2005 as he strives to earn another contract at the age of 40.

Former England batsman Hick will reach that milestone in June in what is his 23rd season of first team cricket with Worcestershire.

Hick, who is in his testimonial year, endured one of the leanest spells of his career last season with just 911 County Championship runs at an average of 35.

But Rhodes is confident Hick can again be a major force.

Read more in today's Worcester News.