Australian Noffke has taken 364 first class wickets

Worcestershire director of cricket Steve Rhodes is confident Australian all-rounder Ashley Noffke will be fit for the start of the season.

Noffke had an operation to free a trapped nerve in his back and Rhodes believes the surgery has gone well.

He told BBC Hereford & Worcester: "I spoke to him after and he was happy.

"Physically he is fine and once he gets training he will be as fresh as a daisy, I am optimistic we will see the best of him this summer."

Rhodes added: "He is jumping up and down to get here so I think we will see the best of him and if we do it will be a big bonus for Worcestershire supporters.

"Only two seasons ago he was the Australian domestic player of the year and one of only three players to take 50 wickets and score 500 runs in a season.

If Moeen Ali and Alexei Kervezee can fill Graeme Hick's shoes, that will be a massive boost to us having a good season Steve Rhodes

"If we get him back to that form he will be a class all rounder for us."

Rhodes said Noffke will be a vital part of the New Road side as they return to the top flight in the four-day game.

"There will be eight other sides in division one who are good sides," he added.

"The secret to winning games in Division One will be if we can manage to cope with injuries. We have quality bowlers and if they stay fit we are going to be in a very healthy position.

"If Moeen Ali and Alexei Kervezee can fill Graeme Hick's shoes, that will be a massive boost to us having a good season.

"If we can nail those two areas I feel very confident with the rest of the squad and the way we play our cricket we will have a very good year."

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