WORCESTERSHIRE fans have seen the last of Phil Jaques for this season after the Aussie ace was included in his country's squad for next month's triangular one-day series with India and West Indies in Malaysia.

Jaques, who is currently at an Australian training camp, was expected to return to New Road on September 2 for the crucial end-of-season run-in.

His inclusion in the squad means he will remain in Australia until the series gets under way on September 12.

The tournament's final is scheduled for September 24, which is the same day as the Pro40 League play-off -- the last possible day that Worcestershire could be playing cricket this summer.

An agreement is already in place for Lou Vincent to carry on as Jaques' replacement for the rest of this term, but County chief executive Mark Newton is intent on having Jaques at New Road next season.

He said: "Since it became obvious Phil was making strides towards the Australia team, we have made plans.

"We are under no illusion as to the impact Phil has had on the team since he has been here. Luckily, we've had someone as good as Lou to call upon as a replacement.

"Lou has not scored the same amount of runs in four-day cricket, but he has done well in one-day matches and has out-scored Phil.

"International cricket is very fast-moving these days and Australia have some commitments next season, but it is our intention that Phil will be with us 100 per cent next season.

"It looks like a lot will happen with the Australia team after the World Cup, but Phil is very much part of our plans at the moment.

"However, things are always changeable with international cricket."

However, Jaques' yo-yoing between New Road and Australia has been countered by the superb form and availability of Zaheer Khan.

A late replacement for Australian Nathan Bracken, the Indian paceman has snared 69 victims this summer.

And Newton is keen to secure his services for the 2007 season -- the last year counties can employ two overseas players.

He added: "Obviously you want your overseas players for the whole season, but that is very rarely possible these days.

"We have been very lucky with Zaheer, but that doesn't happen very often.

"If he is back in the mix with India you have to think very hard about things because we don't want to be left short for half of next season.

"I think it is something that will run for a while.

"If for any reason he is not back in the fold with India, we would be very serious about having him back.

"He has produced the goods on the field and off the field he is a super bloke to deal with.

"He is no hassle, he does the job, he has worked really hard and hasn't had any injury problems.

"What more do you want from an overseas player?"