WORCESTERSHIRE Rapids will welcome new addition, Ben Dwarshuis, to their Vitality Blast squad after the Australian paceman arrived in the UK last weekend.

Dwarshuis, 26, currently has to undergo the mandatory quarantine period after his arrival in England at the weekend.

But he is itching to join up with his new teammates and start preparing for next Wednesday’s Blast opener against reigning champions Notts Outlaws at New Road.

He was confirmed as one of Rapids’ overseas signings for the 2021 campaign, along with spin bowler, Sandeep Lamichhane. 

Dwarshuis was the leading wicket-taker for Sydney Sixers in their 2021 Big Bash League triumph with 24 victims.

He has a wealth of T20 experience and will add extra variety as a left armer – a part of the armoury which the Rapids attack lacked last summer.

Head coach Alex Gidman said: “Ben arrived on Saturday, and he is having a few days at his house, and all being well, he will join up with the lads once he does all the stuff he needs to from a COVID-19 point of view.

“We’re looking forward to having him around, and he will join up with a group that has an excellent buzz around it and full of confidence looking forward.

“He has the skill set that we think we needed, left-arm quick bowler, very experienced, played in all the leagues around the world.

“He is itching to get going, and we are looking forward to having his character within the changing room.”

As one new member of the squad arrives, another leaves. 

Alzarri Joseph has left Worcestershire after his spell with the club during the opening eight games of the LV=Insurance County Championship season.

He picked up 15 wickets in six LV=Insurance County Championship matches at an average of 38.26 and scored 148 runs, including a top score of 61, versus Nottinghamshire at New Road.

Gidman said: “I’ve felt for him on some of the wickets we’ve had to play on. They probably didn’t quite suit his style of bowling.

“But he has always bowled for us with great intent and power, and he has tried really hard, and that’s all you can ask from an overseas pro.

“We wish him the best of luck when he returns to the Caribbean.”