Edwards will no longer be joining Worcestershire

West Indies pace bowler Fidel Edwards will not be joining Worcestershire as an overseas player.

Edwards had been set to arrive at New Road next month in place of Steve Magoffin, but has now been advised by medical staff that he needs to rest.

Worcestershire director of cricket Steve Rhodes has set his sights on finding a new overseas player.

"We have immediately started the search and I hope we'll have some news soon," he told BBC Hereford & Worcester.

Edwards played for the West Indies in their one-day international defeat by Australia on Tuesday, but bowled just three overs.

Rhodes admitted he was shocked by Edwards' withdrawal.

"Unfortunately the news about Fidel has come as a bit of surprise as we have been in touch with him regularly and all seemed to be going well," he said.

Magoffin has been ruled out as a possible replacement and will return to Australia at the end of the Twenty20 campaign.

Meanwhile, Worcestershire have also confirmed that 17-year-old Alexei Kervezee has signed a two-year contract for the 2009 and 2010 seasons.

The young Dutchman has impressed during the early part of the season with consistent performances for the second XI and for his club, Birmingham League side Bromsgrove.

In his only first XI outing so far, he scored 41 against Loughborough UCCE.