Alex Gidman has returned to bowling during Worcestershire's pre-season programme but says it will be down to "how the body shapes up" as to whether he can make any significant contribution with the ball during the forthcoming campaign.
The county's new signing from Gloucestershire has taken more than 100 first class wickets during his career.
Injuries have curtailed the 33-year-old's involvement in the bowling department in more recent times.
But Gidman bowled four overs against the UAE X1 in Abu Dhabi and the same number during this week's two week friendly with Warwickshire at Edgbaston.
He said: "We are working on it. The fitness has always been an issue and injuries. We are chipping away. I don't think anyone is going to make any promises at the moment.
"I've done a bit of bowling and will do a little more through pre-season and if it is something we feel I can help with, we will look at it in more detail.
"For the time being, it's very much just a case of roll my arm over, see how the body shapes up and see what we can do.
"Has there been any specific injury? I had some ankle issues and some back problems and a bit of wear and tear but I hadn't bowled for 18 months so a lot of it is feeling my way back into a little bit and most importantly see how the body shapes up.
"If I can help with bowling a few overs here and there and that works, then great. But we will see how the land lies."
