Andrew hoping for overseas stint (From Worcester News)

Andrew hoping for overseas stint

11:30am Monday 17th October 2011 in WCCC By Michael Reeves, twitter.com/michaelreevesWN

WORCESTERSHIRE player-of-the-year Gareth Andrew is set to spend the second-half of the winter overseas.

The 27-year-old all-rounder, named the New Road side’s most valuable player at the end-of-season awards ceremony last month, is likely to get a chance to play in sunnier climes after Christmas.

But County director of cricket Steve Rhodes said Andrew, who also finished second in the Professional Cricket Association MVP list, will only go abroad if he is fit enough.

Andrew ended Worcestershire’s historic campaign with a knee problem and, along with pace bowler Richard Jones, is already in the gym working on a rehabilitation programme ahead of the squad’s return to training on November 1.

“The good news is that neither Gareth or Richard need surgery,” Rhodes said.

“They have got programmes which are being monitored.

“We are looking at a strengthening and a conditioning programme to get them both ready for pre-season training.”

With Ben Cox, Brett D’Oliveira, Matt Pardoe, Neil Pinner, Chris Russell and Jack Shantry already spending the winter in the southern hemisphere, Andrew and Jones are likely to join them.

“The players report back to training on November 1,” the County director of cricket added.

“We have got six players overseas already and there is a possibility that Gareth and Richard will also go abroad after Christmas.

“But they will only go if we feel they are fit enough to do so.”