NEW Worcestershire signing Rob Jones is already looking forward to the 2024 season, only a couple of months after his successful loan spell with the county. 

Jones made a big impact when on loan from Lancashire to Worcestershire for the Metro Bank One Day Cup during August, having agreed to a permanent move for 2024 in July of this year.

The number three batter was the Rapids' second-highest scorer in the tournament with 366 runs behind One-Day Cup captain, Jake Libby (397).

A memorable century against Northamptonshire at Wantage Road was followed by 53 versus Derbyshire and 67 in the narrow quarter-final defeat by Hampshire at the Ageas Bowl.

Having had a taste of what was to come, Jones is now hungry for success at New Road next season. 

"I can’t wait to get going," he said. "I absolutely loved being with Worcestershire for the One Day Cup.

"It was absolute class and the lads were great. I did alright, scored some runs and helped the club get to the quarter-finals, and we went so close to winning that game.

"I am buzzing to start on November 13 and start preparing with everyone for Division One in the County Championship. I really can’t wait.

"I kept an eye on every day of the promotion push all the way through September, following every session, and it was great to see the boys get over the finishing line.

"I’ve had a bit of time off, been up in Scotland for a while.

"But then it will be a case of getting back into it, and hopefully I can find a place down in Worcester with my partner and then go from there."

Jones will add some much-needed experience to the Worcestershire squad as they look ahead to their first season back in the top-flight after last season's promotion. 

Nine members of the squad have previously played in the top division – including newcomers Jones, Tom Taylor and Ethan Brookes.

It adds up to nearly 150 appearances in total as Worcestershire prepare for the challenges of next summer in Division One of the County Championship.

Opener and Worcestershire’s 2023 leading run-scorer, Jake Libby, has played 33 times at top level.

He is followed by Joe Leach (24), Jones (22), Taylor (20), Club Captain Brett D’Oliveira (20), Adam Hose (14) and Matthew Waite (12).

Adam Finch featured in three matches on loan at Surrey and Brookes made a single Division One appearance for Warwickshire.