Matthew Waite signs three-year deal with Worcestershire

Worcestershire all-rounder Matthew Waite has signed a new three-year contract with the club. The deal will keep him with the Pears until the end of the 2027 season, with the option for an extra year depending on his appearances. The 29-year-old, originally from Yorkshire, has been an important player since joining Worcestershire in 2022. He has helped the team achieve promotion back to the Championship top flight and finish sixth last year, their best position in 25 years. Head coach Alan Richardson praised Waite for his growth and commitment to the team. He emphasized the importance of keeping key players like Waite for the future. Waite has worked hard on his fitness and has made a significant impact both on and off the pitch. In his career so far, Waite has taken 84 first-class wickets and scored two centuries. He expressed pride in proving he can perform at a high level and mentioned the challenge of maintaining their Division One status for a third straight season. Due to frequent flooding at their home ground, New Road, Worcestershire will begin the 2025 season with three away games. Their first home match will be on April 25 against Durham, which is earlier than last year.