VIKRAM Solanki insists the recruitment of Australians Phil Jaques and Nathan Bracken gives Worcestershire the edge to make a swift return to Division One cricket.

The County start the 2006 campaign next April in the lower rungs of both one and four-day formats after slipping to relegation in the totesport League.

A significant factor behind Worcestershire's downfall last season rested on the many changes to managerial and squad personnel.

Instability at New Road was a by-product of the comings and goings of their four overseas players -- Chaminda Vaas, Zander de Bruyn, Chris Gayle and the controversial Shoaib Akhtar -- while it took time for Steve Rhodes to settle into the head coach role following Tom Moody's departure.

But skipper Solanki believes the addition of opener Jaques and fast bowler Bracken brings about a healthier complexion at New Road.

"Nathan and Phil are quality players," said Solanki.

"Nathan has been a consistent performer out in Australia for a number of seasons now. He's going to come here and hopefully do as well for us.

"Phil is exactly what we need at the top of the order. He's got an excellent record in county cricket.

"Hopefully, with these two guys, they are going to be with us for the majority of the season. That can only benefit us in what we want to do and that's getting promoted.

"One of the things we discussed at the close of last season was the fact that we needed continuity and stability. There were plenty of changes this year, not just in terms of the playing staff, but also on the coaching side and changes with the captaincy while I was away."

Solanki added: "Next year, we want everybody coming back fresh, enthused and energised. It will be a long campaign and we need people putting in decent performances throughout the year and playing consistently day in, day out."