KABIR Ali has capped a fine season by being named the Professional Cricketers' Association young player of the year.

The Worcestershire fast bowler finished as top wicket-taker at New Road and is now preparing for England Academy duty in Australia.

The 21-year-old picked up 60 wickets in the Frizzell County Championship, including four five-wicket hauls and one 10-wicket performance, and ended with 71 scalps at an average of 25.08 in first-class cricket.

In the Benson & Hedges Cup he bagged 14 wickets while in the Norwich Union League he claimed 21 wickets at an average of 26.52.

Kabir, who also hit 271 first-class runs with a best score of 51no, won the award in his first full season back in cricket following a collarbone injury.

New Road chief executive Mark Newton was full of praise for the rising star who is tipped by many as a future England international.

"I think there's no doubt about it that there have been very high expectations of Kabir for a number of years now," said Newton.

"Most experts agree that there is a possible England future for him if he keeps developing and working hard. It must be remembered that this is his first full season after injury and he has come back terrifically well.

"The award is great news for Kabir. It's obviously voted by fellow professionals so there is no greater accolade for a cricketer than to be voted for by your peers."

Kabir pipped Warwickshire's Jim Troughton, Surrey's Rikki Clarke, Lancashire's James Anderson and Durham's Gordon Muchall to win the award, presented at a ceremony at the Grosvenor Hotel in London.

Michael Vaughan claimed the senior player of the year title after scoring four Test centuries for England.

Don't miss Saturday's Evening News for a comprehensive review of Worcestershire's 2002 season.