Rhodes tips Moore for Test place

Stephen Moore turned down several counties to stay at New Road

Steven Moore is destined to play Test cricket, says Worcestershire director of cricket Steve Rhodes.

South African Moore, the first player to 1,000 first class runs in 2008, is in the England Lions squad for the tour to New Zealand in February and March.

And Rhodes remains certain that Johannesburg-born Moore, 28, will one day play Test cricket.

"He'll go all the way. And it won't be long before he gets there," Rhodes told BBC Hereford & Worcester.

"I know he has delighted and impressed the selectors and coaches with England in his time at Loughborough.

"He is destined for the top, he works hard at his game and thinks about it a lot."

Moore was the subject of approach from several counties before signing a new deal for Worcestershire, after scoring five centuries and averaging over 50 in first-class cricket in 2008.

Moore has been picked for the Lions alongside two of his county colleagues, all-rounder Gareth Batty and keeper Steven Davies, who will go to New Zealand before heading for the Caribbean in March to join up with the full England one-day party.

The Lions are due to play seven matches in New Zealand, two against the NZC Emerging Players, a two-match 'A' Test Series and three one-day internationals.