Comment

STEVE Magoffin, one of Australia's most underrated cricketers and also one of the most reliable, is determined to hit the ground running as Worcestershire's 2008 overseas player.

Magoffin will arrive at New Road next month on the back of his most consistent season of state cricket which ended with the 28-year-old being one of only five players to be named in both of Australia's four-day and one-day teams of the year.

Looking ahead to his first full season of county cricket, the former Leicestershire and Surrey fast bowler believes he can add a much-needed cutting edge to Worcestershire's bowling attack which was missing in last season's County Championship relegation campaign.

"I've taken the new ball for Western Australia (WA) in four-day and one-day cricket all season and it's been a good six months for me personally because I've stayed fit and been consistent," Magoffin said.

"I was in the Leicestershire second eleven a few years ago and I only played one Championship match.

"That was followed by a couple of one-dayers for Surrey last year so the opportunity to play for Worcestershire has come at exactly the right time for my career.

"I would describe myself as a competitive cricketer who isn't one of the most glamorous players around but is a new ball bowler who sees his role as that of taking wickets and keeping the pressure on the batsman.

"I have scored a few runs this year because I've spent a bit more time at the crease for WA and my club Melville.

"I decided to be more responsible with my batting so it's been pleasing to have gone out and scored a few runs. Hopefully I can chip in with some important runs for Worcestershire down the order as well."

With Western Australia's season coming to a premature end last week, Magoffin will benefit from his well-earned end-of-season break before flying out to the UK in time for Worcestershire's first match of the new season - the County Championship trip to Warwickshire at Edgbaston on April 16.

"I don't know many of the Worcester players very well but I've met Graeme Hick in the past and I know that he is a legend at New Road," Magoffin said.

"I want to follow his example and prove that I can be a good player in my own right."

8:36pm Saturday 22nd March 2008

Print

Email this

Comment