Edwards signs with Worcestershire

Worcestershire have signed West Indies fast bowler Fidel Edwards as their overseas player for the second half of the 2008 English County season.

The 26-year-old Barbadian is expected to arrive at New Road at the beginning of July and it will end a frustrating search by the county to bolster their pace attack.

Worcestershire director of cricket Steve Rhodes said: "This move has been bubbling along for quite a while and he is desperate to come over and make his mark in county cricket in this country."

Rhodes has been unsuccessful this winter in attempts to sign Umar Gul, Ashley Noffke and Shane Bond and Edwards will complement an already formidable looking pace attack of Simon Jones, Kabir Ali and Matt Mason.

Rhodes added: "We said we would try and act quickly once the Shane Bond deal never materialised and I am delighted to be able to get someone of Fidel's quality.

"The good thing is that when Fidel comes over to England the wickets should be drying out nicely and he will be a danger to all batsmen. He also has that ability to reverse swing the ball.