BEN Smith has revealed his desire to commit his long-term future to Worcestershire by signing a new contract sooner rather than later.

Smith, who moved from Leicestershire to New Road three years ago, has a season-and-a-half left of his current deal with the County.

But the 33-year-old batsman believes he can continue playing county cricket for another five or six years and is content with life at New Road.

Smith said: "I would like a bit of security -- and a new deal would give me that. I'm 33 and feel I've got a lot more to give. I still have five or six years left in the locker yet.

"I've been getting some coaching qualifications but I haven't thought about calling it a day playing-wise for quite a while yet. The club know how I feel and I am happy here. I feel that, if I can keep playing the way I am, some sort of new contract will be on the table soon."

Smith has been one of Worcestershire's most consistent batsmen but caused a surprise when he resigned the captaincy last August mid-way through the county championship match with Northants at New Road because he felt his form was suffering.

He was short of runs at the start of the current campaign but has just hit three successive centuries in the championship to mark a return to top form.

Meanwhile, Worcestershire chief executive Mark Newton has paid tribute to the professionalism of Chaminda Vaas, who has just ended his two-month spell with the county.

The Sri Lankan made a telling impact with bat and ball but now is set to link up with Sri Lanka for their forthcoming Test series with the West Indies in July.

Newton said: "Chaminda has been the consummate professional. He is one of those quiet, under-stated men who is a captain's dream."