Australia fast bowler Glenn McGrath has revealed his enthusiasm for a third stint in county cricket with Worcestershire, top of the list of English teams interesting the 35-year-old quick. McGrath played for the Midlands county in 2000 and also had a brief spell with Lord's-based Middlesex last season.
Australia will be out of international action for several months next year, a break that coincides with the English season which runs from April to September. But McGrath, who in the course of the ongoing first Test against England at Lord's became only the fourth bowler to take 500 Test wickets, does not want to put his feet up.
The New South Wales paceman is instead a firm believer in the need for regular competitive cricket which he argues reduces the risk of injury which can occur when players return to top-flight action after several months out.
McGrath, whose English-born wife Jane hails from the Midlands, said Sunday: "I really enjoyed my time at Worcestershire and I think my wife has locked me in to play a couple of years of county cricket at the end of my career.
"I've played for two counties and I don't really want to make it three. I would say that Worcestershire are probably still top of my list.
"There is a gap in the international fixtures next season. Nothing has been decided yet but I'd be happy to chat with them. "Things went well for me personally last time I was at Worcester and I like the Midlands and the countryside."
Worcestershire host Australia in a three-day game at their New Road headquarters in Worcester next weekend ahead of the second Test at Edgnaston and chief executive Mark Newton said: "If Glenn wants to have a chat with us, we'd be more than happy to chat to him.
"He was tremendously successful when he was here before and also very popular with members and supporters. I'm sure everyone would be delighted if he came back here in the near future.