ALL-ROUNDER Wayne Parnell has flown in to link up with Worcestershire at the beginning of a new three-year contract.

First-team coach Alex Gidman confirmed Parnell would be available for the three-day encounter with Cambridge University at Fenners beginning on Friday.

The 29-year-old enjoyed a successful first spell at Blackfinch New Road last summer.

Parnell was the County’s second highest wicket-taker with 14 victims in the Vitality Blast triumph.

He also picked up 18 wickets in six Specsavers County Championship Division One appearances in addition to scoring 273 runs at an average of 39.00.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Ben Cox is back with the County after representing the MCC in the drawn four-day match with Surrey in Dubai.

Gidman said Cox would also be available to face the students in the County’s final game before the Championship Division Two opener against Leicestershire at the Fischer County Ground starting a week on Thursday.