Worcestershire sign seamer Hartshorn

James Hartshorn made his first-class debut in 2021

Worcestershire have signed seam bowler James Hartshorn as an overseas player for the remainder of the season.

The 26-year-old, who has gained experience playing in England for Sussex league side Middleton, joins an injury-hit side.

Fellow New Zealander Nathan Smith was forced to end his stay early and return home because of a hamstring problem, while Matthew Waite is still out.

But the Pears have skipper Brett D'Oliveira for Thursday's key bottom of the table home game with Kent and are waiting on the fitness of former skipper Joe Leach, while Adam Finch is delaying knee surgery until the end of the season

Hartshorn, a team-mate of Smith's at Wellington in New Zealand, has taken 19 wickets in 11 first-class matches to date.

"With James it is quite a flexible arrangement," said Worcestershire head coach Alan Richardson.

"He has been playing down in Sussex for Middleton Cricket Club and has been doing really well.

"It's no secret we are a little bit short of numbers in terms of injuries and so James has that opportunity to come and join us."