KABIR Ali admits he is not used to playing second fiddle in the New Road bowling stakes.

In recent years, the County's leading wicket-taker has almost always been Kabir but, with the scintillating form of Zaheer Khan, the England paceman is playing catch-up this season.

However, Kabir is relishing the chance to play alongside Zaheer, who he describes as a `real role model', and plans to learn as much as he can from the experience.

He said: "Normally I am the leading wicket-taker by this stage, so this year has made a bit of a change with Zak (Zaheer) doing so well.

"He is quite a long way ahead and will take something to catch him -- trying to get close to him is hard.

"I was pushing him hard, then he went and got nine wickets in an innings against Essex, he took off again and it is difficult to catch up when somebody does that.

"There is a healthy competition between us and I'm trying to keep him on his toes as best I can.

"Hopefully, I can be back against Derbyshire, after resting against Gloucestershire as a precaution, and we can fight for the wickets again.

"I learn from all the overseas players who come here that have played to a good standard of cricket.

"I respect any bowler I play with or against and try to watch them for tips.

"I have watched players like Shoaib Akhtar and Chaminda Vaas closely in recent summers. But Zak has been a real role model to me, the way he bowls and all the variations he has in his game."

Despite trailing Zaheer, Kabir feels he has done well for the County this year and is looking forward to helping his side achieve promotion this term.

He added: "On a personal level for Worcestershire, it has been a good season. I have taken some wickets and in both forms of the game.

"It helps when you have got bowlers like Zak and Mase (Matt Mason) at the other end, it gives you a lot of confidence to really have a go.

"The team have done well and we are well placed in the County Championship to push for promotion -- I'm confident we can go up this season."