WORCESTERSHIRE have secured the services of Yorkshire all-rounder Matthew Waite for the next three seasons.

Waite spent a short spell at New Road earlier this season - playing in the County Championship win over Leicestershire at New Road - and impressed the club so much that they have opted to bring him back on a permanent basis until 2025.

The 26-year-old looks to be a direct replacement for Worcestershire's current all-rounder Ed Barnard, after he confirmed his move to Warwickshire at the end of the season.

Waite has been involved in four Division One matches with Yorkshire since leaving New Road and also played in the Finals Day of the Vitality Blast.

Chairman Paul Pridgeon believes Waite will add value to the side on and off the pitch.

"Matthew impressed us when he was here on loan earlier in the season," he said.

"Taking wickets and looking capable of scoring runs in the middle order, and obviously, it was a role we had to fill with Ed Barnard’s departure.

"We feel Matthew, who is 26, an experienced cricketer with a lot of cricket under his belt for Yorkshire, will do a very decent job for us.

"He has top division experience in the LV=Insurance County Championship and has played quite a lot of white ball cricket.

"We really like him as a cricketer, and we liked his personality when he was here as well. He fitted in our dressing well, and that is something that is important to us.

"He fits the bill for us perfectly, and we hope he will be very successful for us."

Waite becomes the second new signing for Worcestershire, following the imminent arrival of Warwickshire's talented batsman Adam Hose.

The all-rounder is confident he can be the man Worcestershire are after in their search for success with both the red and white ball.

"I totally enjoyed my short spell at Worcestershire and contributing to a win and, even in that short time, I could see the great potential at the Club, with a mixture of youngsters and experience," he added.

"I was made to feel welcome by everyone and part of the group, and I’m delighted to move to Worcestershire on a three-year contract.

"It’s a Club wanting to experience more success in red ball and white ball cricket, and I want to play my part and feel I can contribute with bat and ball.

"I’m 26, it’s an ideal move at this stage of my career, a fresh challenge, and I can’t wait to get started this winter."