Thursday, September 10th, 2015

Pace Ace Gabriel Links Up With Worcs For Climax To Season

Pace Ace Gabriel Links Up With Worcs For Climax To Season

West Indies paceman Shannon Gabriel today linked up with Worcestershire CCC for the finale of the 2015 season.

Gabriel landed at Gatwick at around nine o'clock this morning and arrived at New Road during the early part of the afternoon.

He is set to train with his new team-mates for the first time tomorrow (Friday).

Gabriel has joined Worcestershire for the final two LV = County Championship matches of the campaign.

He is set to make his debut against Durham at the ICG Emiratres starting on Monday and then will also be available to face Middlesex at New Road from September 22 to 25.

Gabriel has taken over from spinner Saeed Ajmal as the County's overseas player for the conclusion of the 2015 season.

He will be the first West Indian to play LV = CC cricket for Worcestershire since Kemar Roach featured in the final three games of the 2011 season and picked up 14 wickets.

Director of Cricket Steve Rhodes said: "Shannon is a strong boy who can bowl very quickly. He was clocked in his last Test at 93mph. Not many people can do that.

"It's tough for him and anyone coming in for just two games but, if you're a fast bowler and you know what you've got to do, there's a chance of it coming off."

Twenty-seven-year-old Gabriel has played 14 Tests for the West Indies and has taken 32 wickets for his country at an average of 35.81.

He has played 61 first class matches and picked up 157 wickets at an average of 30.41 with a best performance of 7-74.

Trinidad born Gabriel has most recently been playing for St. Lucia Zouks in the Caribbean Premier League.