WORCESTERSHIRE all-rounder Matthew Waite is targeting a return to bowling in the new year after missing the end of the 2023 season.

Waite, who completed his first full season with the county in 2023, was ruled out of the latter stages of the previous campaign due to a groin injury.

But head coach Alan Richardson reported that Waite is making good progress in his recovery.

"Matty is doing lots and lots of batting at the moment, which is great, something he really wants to work on," said Richardson.

"Himself, Andy Powell and Zak Bess are working really hard to make sure he is back bowling in the New Year which is a nice little step up for him.

"This winter he is going to stay with us and, because of the workload he had last year and the injury he finished with, Andy Powell is really keen to spend a good five months with him here and making sure he is back up and ready for the start of the season."

Waite made a big impact in his first full season at New Road after a successful loan spell the previous summer.

The ex-Yorkshire player scored 565 first-class runs, with one century and three fifties, to finish third in the Worcestershire averages at 35.31.

He also chipped in with 26 wickets as predominantly a first or second-change member of the attack.

Waite is to remain with Worcestershire throughout the close season after spending six weeks last winter undertaking warm-weather training in Cape Town.