GARETH Andrew hopes to reignite his career for Birmingham Cricket League Premier Division outfit Ombersley this season.

The 32-year-old all-rounder was released by Worcestershire at the end of last season after a back injury and knee problem.

During his eight years at New Road, Andrew made appearances for Ombersley and, after failing to find a first-class county, he decided to join the top-flight side.

Chairman Tim Oakley is delighted to have Andrew on board as he believes he will make a “big difference”.

“After being released, Gareth was looking for another county, which he hasn’t managed to find after injury,” Oakley said.

“He has been signed on at Ombersley for the past two or three years but, because of injury and county commitments, he has not played much. But he is going to play full-time this season.

“He is a highly-experienced cricketer and a top man and will have a positive impact on all the players here.”

Ombersley have signed left-arm medium pacer and middle-order batsman Andy Robertson from Pershore.

They have kept wicketkeeper Uday Kaul, who scored 706 runs from 11 innings in 2015 with an average of 141.20.

“Uday makes a massive difference as he is a top player,” Oakley said.

“As he featured so highly in the Birmingham League averages, he was a sought-after commodity.

“But we got him to commit to Ombersley before the season finished last year, so it was quite a coup to get him to stay on for another year.”

Kaul misses their opener at rivals Kidderminster tomorrow (noon) as he is playing in Bangladesh before returning next Wednesday.

Hosts Kidderminster beat Ombersley by seven wickets in the Graham Williamson Trophy last weekend.

Oakley admitted his side, who were bowled out for 166, were “completely overwhelmed”.

“There are no excuses as the wicket and outfield were superb,” he said. “It was just our early-season rustiness.

“This is our second season in the Premier Division and we want to consolidate our position again.

“We did really well last year, finishing sixth having been in the top three for two thirds of the season, so we would like to have more of the same.”