A New Zealand all-rounder is set to make a return to Worcestershire for the finale of the 2024 season.

Logan van Beek will swoop in to replace the injured Nathan Smith for the final four Vitality County Championship matches.

International player van Beek, who also plays for the Netherlands, enjoyed a successful stint at Visit Worcestershire New Road last year.

Read more: Worcestershire beat Kent to secure second successive Championship win

In the 2023 season, van Beek played five matches for the Pears in the Metro Bank One Day Cup and two Championship matches, helping the team reach the quarter-finals of the 50-over competition.

The all-rounder scored an unbeaten 41 from 19 balls on his debut, securing four wickets, and knocking a half-century in the Championship.

Worcestershire triumphed in the home game against Glamorgan with van Beek's match figures of 8-88, clinching promotion to Division One.

His first match back with Worcestershire will be on today (Thursday, August 29) against Essex in Chelmsford.

Pears head coach Alan Richardson, said: "Really pleased to be getting Logan back.

"He started with us last year and helped us get promoted."

He added: “First and foremost, we are getting someone who has shown his skills over the last couple of years, and we were lucky enough to benefit from that at the end of last year.

“What we know with Logan, apart from the character, is that we are going to get a three-dimensional cricketer.

“He is someone who is whole-hearted with the ball, who will put in some incredible shifts, and with the bat, he values his wicket highly but also can be really expansive, and you’ve got a very enthusiastic and highly skilled fielder."

Van Beek, thrilled at the prospect of a second spell with Worcestershire, said: "My short stint with Worcestershire was very enjoyable last year and made a lasting impression on me, so I jumped at the opportunity to represent the Three Pears once again.

“I want to come and give the guys a boost of energy and finish the season on a high.”

The New Zealander also expressed excitement about playing alongside Joe Leach before he hangs up his spikes.

He said: "I am looking forward to bowling alongside the legend that is Joe Leach in his last few games for the club.

“He plays with his heart and his soul, and that is the kind of team-mate I absolutely love playing with.”

Van Beek's stack of experience includes 33 ODIs and 31 T20Is for the Netherlands.