Worcestershire all-rounder Matthew Waite has signed a new three-year deal with the County Championship Division One club.
The 29-year-old Yorkshireman has followed the lead of two other key first team players Gareth Roderick and Adam Hose by also committing to the Pears until the end of the 2027 season, with an option for an additional year based on appearances.
Leeds-born Waite has been a mainstay of the side since first signing from his native Yorkshire in 2022, initially on loan – and can help shoulder the burden of filling the hole in the seam bowling department left by Joe Leach’s retirement.
He helped the Pears win promotion back to the Championship top flight in 2023, then seal sixth spot in 2024 – their highest placing in the 25 years since the birth of a two-tier competition.
“He’s constantly developing as a player, growing in confidence, and gaining experience. Keeping him with Worcestershire long-term is a fantastic result for the club,” said Pears head coach Alan Richardson.
“For us, securing key players for the long term is crucial, and Matthew is a big part of our plans moving forward. He has the potential to be an exceptionally durable cricketer. He’s worked incredibly hard on his fitness this winter.
“Matthew has made a fantastic impact, both on and off the pitch, showing a real hunger to keep improving. He’s shown how valuable he is in all formats, with both bat and ball.”
Waite has taken 84 first-class wickets at an average of 30.33 and scored two red-ball centuries.
“We’ve faced some tough challenges, but we pulled together, which has made it even more rewarding,” Waite said.
“Earlier in my career, I didn’t always get opportunities, so it’s been nice to prove to myself that I can perform at this level.
“The challenge now is to stay in Division One for a third straight season, something Worcestershire has never done since the two-tier system began.”
As a result of the tendancy for their New Road home to flood each winter, the Pears will start the 2025 season with three straight away games – against Somerset, Yorkshire and Essex.
Their first home game is scheduled for Friday, 25 April against Durham – a month earlier than last season when they had to play their opening two home games at Kidderminster.