WORCESTERSHIRE bowling coach Matt Mason is relishing the prospect of working with South African paceman Kyle Abbott who arrives at New Road this weekend for the remainder of the season.

Abbott will take over the reins as overseas player from Matt Henry although the New Zealander is extending his stay through until the early part of July.

The 29-year-old Abbott has played seven Tests, 26 ODIs and 21 T20Is for the Proteas and has an excellent first-class record with 240 wickets in 65 games, including 15 wickets in an innings five times.

He is a renowned white-ball bowler and has been playing for Kings XI Punjab in the Indian Premier League.

Abbott was a key figure for Hampshire when they gained promotion from Division Two of the County Championship, along with Worcestershire, two years ago.

Mason said: "We are all excited to get Kyle on board. It's always exciting when an overseas player, especially someone with the success he has had, arrives at the club.

"It is a different personality to blend into our dressing room, another experienced bowler to help out our young bowlers and even myself and we are all looking forward to having him here.

"He has got a fabulous first-class cricket record, it speaks for itself, and the fact he has played before in England, in English conditions, bodes well as well.

"He knows what county cricket is all about, he is used to the workload and the county treadmill if you like."

Mason added: "I imagine when he gets here he will be itching to get going and it won't take him too long to settle in and hopefully put in performances for us.

"He has had a little bit of a rest, he will be eager to go and get a red ball in his hand as well some white-ball cricket.

"Also with his recent stuff in the IPL and one-day cricket, he's got lots of experience to pass onto our guys and hopefully brings in a fresh set of legs as well."

Mason says the County have had a series of overseas players who have been ready, willing and able to pass on their experience to the young bowlers at New Road.

He said: "Matt has been terrific passing on his international experience although he is only young himself.

"Mitch Santner, although it was a brief stay because of his injury, was very keen to help out Dolly (Brett D'Oliveira) and our young spinners and I'm sure Kyle will be the same.

"Our lads are very open to picking the brains of these experienced cricketers."