WORCESTERSHIRE'S new Australian pace bowler Nathan Bracken has backed down from his claim that mint sweets may have helped England win the Ashes.

Australia's batsmen were baffled by the reverse swing bowling technique during England's 2-1 series victory this summer.

Left-arm paceman Bracken, who recently agreed a two-year contract with the County, said a type of mint mixed with saliva had helped get the ball to reverse -- a claim rubbished by England counterpart Simon Jones.

But Bracken said: "I thought it had come across as a joke but it's come across the wrong way. I apologise."

He added: "We're making every effort to get in contact with Simon and basically just settle things and make sure no offence was taken."

Reverse swing is the ability to swing an old cricket ball in the opposite direction to that expected by batsmen.

Meanwhile, Steve Rhodes is calling a halt to further moves in the player market following Worcestershire's acquisition of all-rounder Roger Sillence.

The former Gloucestershire man has become the third County capture since the end of the 2005 season, adding to the Australian overseas pair of Phil Jaques and Bracken.

The latest signing has left Worcestershire director of cricket Rhodes satisfied with his newly-shaped squad.

"At this stage, we are not looking at bringing in anybody else," said Rhodes. "I'm happy with the squad we've got."

While no more fresh faces are expected at New Road this winter, there is a possibility that Stephen Peters may leave to improve his chances of earning first-team cricket.

James Pipe and David Wigley moved onto Derbyshire and Northamptonshire respectively, as it became clear their careers lay elsewhere.

With Australia 'A' star Jaques primed to open the batting with Stephen Moore, the prospects for 26-year-old Peters are thin unless he fights for a spot lower down the order.

Rhodes added: "It's difficult for Stephen. I'm not putting words in his mouth, but I know he loves playing for Worcestershire and he likes it here.

"Unfortunately, unless he does something miraculous in the second team, his opportunities will be limited.

"It's up to him. His agent is working for him, so we'll have to wait and see."

Opportunities for newcomer Sillence, who starred for Birmingham League winners Barnt Green last season, are also expected to be in modest supply.

A relative unknown on the county circuit, the 28-year-old made just 13 ap-pearances in four years at Gloucestershire until his release last month.

Rhodes, however, is confident the Wiltshire-born right-hander holds the credentials to be a key squad member.