EX-ENGLAND man Phil Newport is one of Kidderminster Cricket Club's new captures - but fans must wait to get a glimpse of the pace bowler.

Newport is to play the second half of the season when he finishes teaching for the summer in Worcester.

But the Kidderminster squad to face a tough Birmingham League Premier Division challenge at home to Stratford on Saturday should include four other signings.

Former Worcestershire fast bowler Paul Thomas (from Cannock), middle-order batsman Richard Bradford (Wolverhampton), young prospect Kaleem Ashraf (Smethwick) and left-arm medium pacer Rob Symonds (Kington) are the new recruits.

Indian professional Mandeep Singh, back for another season, will also be involved along with Worcestershire's second-team wicket-keeper James Pipe and big hope Reuben Spiring.

But batsman James Ralph and off-spinner Neil Slade have left for Telford St Georges and Roxeter. Opening bowler Mark Sellek is not available until the weekend after.

Kidderminster's first game at Old Hill was off due to a damp ground.

Experienced skipper Mark Mansell reversed an earlier decision to step down from the captaincy and admitted: "We have quite a young side.

"But we have a good team and on paper are stronger than last year. We have had more players coming in than going out.

"Most of these new players will be starting. It's good to have a bit of healthy competition. A lot of players will want to retain their places.

"Last year was increasingly a struggle. Since they went with promotion and relegation, there's been a lot of money flying around. We are not a rich club.

"Stratford came second last year and were top of the league at one point. They are probably better at batting than bowling. It will be a good test."

The capture of 38-year-old Newport, a popular bowler with Worcestershire in his day, is bound to create interest.

Mansell said: "I know he didn't play at all last year but he is not the sort of player to do things half-heartedly. He will get himself fit to do a job for us."

Meanwhile, Chester Road staged two successful Worcestershire one-day matches at late notice, both resulting in home wins, due to ground conditions at Worcester's New Road.

They beat Sussex by five wickets in the Norwich Union League then defeated Northants by 96 runs in the Benson and Hedges Cup on Monday.

Groundsman Denis Jones said: "It was a good effort from staff and the Chester Road Sporting Club committee.

"I would estimate there were 2,000 here each day."