WORCESTERSHIRE have moved quickly to snap up talented Warwickshire batsman Anurag Singh.

The 25-year-old has signed a two-year contract with the County after turning down a similar deal at Edgbaston to search for more regular first-team action.

Worcestershire hope he will be a key figure in their fight to gain promotion in both the County Championship and National League next season.

Singh said today: "I have welcomed the opportunities I have had at Edgbaston but, to fulfil my potential, I really must play regularly at County level and I'm delighted to have this opportunity now with Worcestershire.

"I've joined Worcestershire because I see them as a club, as their signing of Glenn McGrath last season demonstrated, with a young squad which can develop and become very successful.

"There is a definite buzz and youthful zest within the club and I can see that the County is determined to progress and re-establish its winning ways. I'm really excited about being a major part of this".

Worcestershire secretary Mike Vockins said: 'We're delighted Anurag is joining us at New Road.

"We know that several other counties were interested in signing him and it is a real coup for us that he has decided to advance his career with Worcestershire.

"Those who saw his sparking second-innings knock for Warwickshire here at the end of the season during our convincing win over our neighbours will be fully aware of his talent.

"As a young player with considerable experience under his belt already, including the valuable experience gained by captaining Cambridge, and with his undoubted batting skills and his reputation a good fielder, we are confident he will make an important contribution to our cricket."

The right-handed batsman, who during the winter works for a firm of Birmingham solicitors, made his debut for Warwick-shire in 1995 and was a regular member of the Cambridge University side from 1996-98, captaining the side in his final two years.

He also captained British Universities in the Benson and Hedges Cup and has represented England under 19s, being named man-of-the-series against West Indies in 1994/95.

Singh has four first-class centuries to his credit and figured in Warwickshire's run to the NatWest Trophy final last season, hitting 85 in their semi-final victory over Hampshire.

Meanwhile, Worcestershire are still to make decisions on who will replace Bill Athey as coach next season and whether Graeme Hick will continue to captain the New Road club. England commitments restricted his availability last season.