FORMER Worcestershire and England all-rounder Neal Radford has given a huge boost to Evesham's promotion hopes by agreeing to join them for the rest of the season.

Evesham are flying high at the top of the Worcestershire County League second division after two successive maximums and the inclusion of the former New Road idol will further strengthen their hopes.

Radford has been actively helping at Evesham's outdoor nets by coaching the first team and has been impressed by the attitude and work ethic of players and officials at the club.

"He said: "I've enjoyed working with the team and am more than happy to pass on advice to players that need help with their game.

"My brother Glenn played for Evesham a few years ago and I've decided to give them some of my time as a player for the last few games of the season."

Cricket manager Simon Cadwallader said: "His help, advice and experience is invaluable and already there is great excitement within the club about our future."

Radford first played for Transvaal in his native South Africa before moving to England when he joined Lancashire.

He made his name with Worcestershire and his Test debut came in 1986 and his one-day debut in 1987. He was voted Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1986.

In recent years he has played Minor Counties for Herefordshire and club cricket with Banbury. He will make his debut at Avon Street on Saturday against Martley (2pm) in a match sponsored by the Journal.

Evesham's Nick Collins was the hero on Saturday with an unbeaten 124 as his side swept to another impressive victory, and Evesham's seconds won by a massive 200-run margin.