Essex join hunt for Moore

Fifth county shows interest in Royals batsman

Last updated: 8th July 2008

stephen moore

Moore: In demand

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Essex are the latest county to reveal an interest in Worcestershire opener Stephen Moore.

The South African-born batsman is already being pursued by four other counties but will hold talks with the Royals regarding a new deal over the coming weeks.

Worcestershire chief executive Mark Newton said: "Stephen has said he wants to play his cricket at Worcester and we want him to play out his career at Worcestershire.

"It is a discussion we will have with his agent, hopefully over the next two to three weeks.

"But there are five counties who have now given 28 days notice of approach. Essex have been added to the previous list of Sussex, Derbyshire, Glamorgan and Northants.

"When that happens to any player, they just want to see what the ramifications are. But cricketers don't tend to move unless there is a really compelling reason to move.

"That boils down to two things - playing regularly in the first team and money. This is no different to any other situation."

The New Road outfit are also ready to give veteran Graeme Hick another one year deal, providing the former England batsman wants to extend his stay with the club to a 26th season.

"With Hicky, it is very much in his court and we will have that discussion when he is ready to have it. It is entirely up to him," Newton added.

"He has played well again this season and it is a case of he will play as long as he wants to play.

"The ball is in his court. We have made it clear we want to have that discussion."