Aussie Noffke looking to learn at New Road

5:14pm Friday 24th October 2008

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WORCESTERSHIRE’S new overseas signing Ashley Nof-fke hopes his spell at New Road next summer will help him become a better player.

The Australian all-rounder agreed earlier this week to join the LV County Championship Division One new boys even though he has ambitions of being recalled by Australia.

Yet, with an Ashes series just around the corner, the 31-year-old is looking forward to his time with the County.

“I’m keen to continue my development and learn more about the English game,” he said. “Worcestershire have a strong bowling unit with the likes of Simon Jones, Kabir Ali and Matt Mason.

“Along with having Vikram Solanki as captain they have a strong unit in my eyes.”

Worcestershire director of cricket Steve Rhodes is set to rotate his seam attack in order to keep them all fresh for a long, gruelling season.

But Noffke isn’t concerned about the work-load that will come his way. “I know how to manage my work-load pretty well these days,” added the Aussie. “Steve Rhodes is an experienced campaigner who knows how to manage his players very well.”

With next summer being an Ashes season, the Queenslander would be perfectly placed should the Aussies need replacements — not that Noffke is letting that cross his mind.

“Worcestershire are giving me the opportunity to play cricket at the right time and, whatever happens, I will still be aiming to learn as much as possible,” he said.