WORCESTERSHIRE have completed the signing of Aussie left-arm seamer Nathan Bracken, as revealed exclusively by the Worcester News last week.

The 28-year-old New South Wales opening bowler confirmed he had accepted personal terms with the County for a season-long contract next summer.

And today the New Road club received Bracken's signed contract which means he will spearhead their bid to win promotion in both competitions with fellow state cricket ace Phil Jaques. The County slipped into totesport League Division Two during the summer and failed to play their way out of Frizzell County Championship Division Two.

But, following Jaques' signature, Bracken has given them another boost after a disappointing season.

Head coach Steve Rhodes said: "Nathan has just broken through to the Australian one-day squad as a result of a terrific season for New South Wales, where he topped the national averages with 43 wickets at 18.79.

"He is a left-arm opening bowler with a career economy rate in first-class cricket of 2.55 per over. That in itself reveals how much control he has and this will compliment our attack next season."

Worcestershire chief executive Mark Newton said: "We are delighted to confirm that following recent speculation, we have today received a signed contract from Nathan, so can officially announce that he will be with us next season along with fellow New South Wales player, Phil Jaques."

Bracken spent the final month of the 2003 county season at local rivals Gloucestershire, when he took four wickets at 20.75 in two County Championship matches, and five wickets at 21.2 in the one-day totesport League.

After rejecting a New Road contract earlier this year, he was keen to experience a full season in England next summer, believing it would help further his international prospects.

He said: "I am really looking forward to having a successful season at New Road. The ball swings a lot in England and the wickets do a bit, so I guess any fast bowler is happy with the situation when the ball swings around and seams."

Bracken confirmed his status as one of the best left-arm quick bowlers in the world with stunning performances for New South Wales in state cricket last winter.