Pears sign fast bowler

Worcestershire have signed pace bowler Chris Whelan from Middlesex on a one-year contract.

The 21-year-old, who made his Middlesex debut in 2004, said: "I will be spending much of the winter in Sydney and cannot wait until March when I should be fit and raring to go."

Worcestershire director of cricket Steve Rhodes added: "I have been aware of his talents for a couple of years and am delighted we have been able to sign such a young talent who I believe has a good future ahead of him."