Moody quits Australia for Worcestershire

Former Australian Test and one-day cricketer Tom Moody will end his days as a player next April to become Director of Cricket with Worcestershire County Cricket Club.

Moody, 35, announced Saturday he had signed a three-year deal with the club and would spend most of his time in England with his wife and family.

At present captain of Western Australia, he will retire as a player at the end of this season to take on the new role. He has been captain of Worcestershire for the past five seasons, having spent a total of eight seasons at New Road after previously playing for neighbouring Warwickshire.

Moody said: "Worcester will be an eight month a year job. So this has to be my last season with Western Australia.

"The timing is right for me because it was about time I stepped out as a player and looked at other options."

Moody said he had chosen to stay with Worcester after considering another offer from Middlesex.

"The role I have been offered at Worcester means I will have total control of the direction of cricket at the club," Moody said.

"Living in a village near Worcester, which we probably will do, is more appealing than being in the centre of London."

Moody is the finest all-rounder produced by Western Australia. He has played for the State in 141 first class matches, more than any other Western Australian.

He played for Australia in eight Tests and 76 one-day internationals.

Mail Cricket Editor