ZAHEER Khan's exceptional efforts with the ball since he signed on as one of Worcestershire's overseas players have been recognised.

The Indian speedster, who has 121 Test wickets to his name, has been named as Rock Lobster Player of the Month.

Jamie Jones from Rock Lobster presented Zaheer with the award in the lunch interval during the Cheltenham and Gloucester Trophy match against Northamptonshire at New Road.

The monthly award goes to the player who has racked up the most points -- awarded by members of the press who cover all the County's first class and one-day matches -- and Zaheer finished two points ahead of his captain, Vikram Solanki.

Twenty-eight wickets in four County Championship matches and a fine one day record earned Zaheer 17 points, while Solanki totalled 15 -- four points ahead of Daryl Mitchell in third place.

The leading player in Liverpool Victoria County Championship matches receives 10 points, second gets six and third four points.

In all other matches the winner will receive five points, second three and third one point, with the monthly winner being the player with the highest total.