LEFT-arm spinner Shaaiq Choudhry has agreed terms on a one-year contract extension to stay with Worcestershire for the forthcoming 2014 season.

The 28-year-old has often played second fiddle to number one spin bowler Moeen Ali, but has proved himself to be a useful deputy, as well as weighing in with important runs at times.

Having played in all of Worcestershire’s Friends Life t20 matches last summer, the Rotherham-born bowler finished as the County’s most economical performer of the campaign with an economy rate of 6.85 runs-per-over.

His figures of 2-21 against Northamptonshire, the eventual Friends Life t20 champions, gave Choudhry his career-best returns in the shortest format of the game.

The spinner has also made valuable contributions with the bat, including 61 not out at New Road against Hampshire in the LV= County Championship earlier this summer.

Choudhry said: “I’m looking forward to 2014 and spending another year at New Road. My main aim is to cement a regular spot in the first XI and build upon my performances from the 2013 season.”

Director of cricket Steve Rhodes added: “Shaaiq has proven himself to be a very useful member of the playing staff with his all-round abilities. We look forward to his contributions in 2014.”

Choudhry made his first-class debut for the New Road outfit against Sussex in May 2010 and has featured for the club across all formats of the game.