West Indies paceman Shannon Gabriel joins Worcestershire

London: Worcestershire have signed West Indies fast bowler Shannon Gabriel for the final two matches of their County Championship campaign, the Midlands side announced Thursday.

The 27-year-old will replace Pakistan off-spinner Saeed Ajmal, who is returning home following next week`s game against Sussex.

Gabriel will be available for the First Division fixtures against Durham at Chester-le-Street and Middlesex at New Road, Worcestershire`s home ground, subject to the West Indies Cricket Board granting him a no objection certificate which clears him to play domestic cricket in England.

"This will be my first taste of county cricket and I am looking forward to the challenge of keeping Worcestershire in Division One of the Championship," said Gabriel in a Worcestershire statement.

"I know it is only for two matches but I am hoping to make a big contribution."