Worcestershire tie New Zealand opener to new deal at New Road

Will Ford
WORCESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 28: A general view during the Specsavers County Championship Division Two match between Worcestershire and Durham at New Road on September 28, 2017 in Worcester, England. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

New Zealand opening batsman Hamish Rutherford will return as Worcestershire’s overseas player next season.

The 30-year-old left-hander impressed at New Road in 2019, playing 14 games for the county in all formats of the game, hitting three centuries.

Rutherford told Worcestershire’s official website: “I am really excited to be returning to Blackfinch New Road for the 2020 season.

“I really enjoyed my two stints with the club last season and hopefully I can contribute to some success next year. I look forward to catching up with my team-mates and support staff in April.”

The left-hander, son of former New Zealand skipper Ken Rutherford, has played 16 Tests, four one-day internationals and eight T20 games for the Kiwis.

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“Hamish is with us for the entire season which is really good for continuity,” said Worcestershire chairman Paul Pridgeon.

“He did well for us and we thought trying to sign him for the entire summer was worth persevering with. He is available for all cricket.

“Hamish was very keen to come back, he is enthusiastic and has gelled with the rest of the lads in the dressing room.”