WORCESTERSHIRE today announced the capture of Australian left-arm paceman Mark Harrity.

The 28-year-old, who holds a British passport, has agreed a two- year contract at New Road.

Harrity has an English father and does not count as an overseas player after giving assurances that he will not seek to perform as a non-overseas player in Australia again.

His agent David Ligertwood said: "We are very pleased that the England and Wales Cricket Board has used its discretion in this way.

"It means so much to Mark to come over here and play for Worcestershire that he was happy to make the big sacrifice of no longer playing as a local player."

Harrity has been a regular member of South Australia's first-class and one-day team for a decade.

The County's director of cricket Tom Moody, who is currently in Australia, said: "I'm thrilled that Mark has decided to take up this opportunity at Worcestershire.

"He will provide us with the left arm variation that we recently lost with Alamgir Sheriyar's departure to Kent.

"Mark will also surprise not only opposition batsman but many cricket followers with his genuine pace."

Worcestershire's chief executive Mark Newton said: "We are very excited about this signing. Tom knows him very well and has followed his career. He's a highly talented cricketer and a perfect replacement for Sheriyar."

Harrity, who was born in Semaphore, Adelaide, has played in 73 first-class matches taking 197 wickets at an average of 38.37. In the limited-over arena he has picked up 64 scalps in 44 games at 26.46.

Harrity, who bats right-handed, was with the Australian Cricket Academy from 1994-95.

He is the latest in a crop of signings the County have made in a bid for glory next season when their top priority will be to gain promotion to the First Division of the Frizzell County Championship.

They have already snapped up two overseas players in South African stars Andrew Hall and Nantie Hayward together with fast bowler Dave Wigley and batsman Stephen Moore on university contracts.