WORCESTERSHIRE wicketkeeper Ben Cox will return to play in Australia for the rest of the winter.

The 23-year-old will link up with Adelaide on December 1 after making good progress with his rehabilitation following a shoulder operation.

Cox had a successful spell last winter for Greenvale Kangaroos, along with Jack Shantry, before continuing his form for the County.

He will become the fifth County player this winter to play Down Under.

Tom Kohler-Cadmore (Penrith Panthers), Alex Hepburn (Willetton Dragons), George Rhodes (North Canberra Gungahlin) and Ollie Westbury (Hay Park) are already playing grade cricket.

County director of cricket Steve Rhodes said: “Ben has had his operation but pulled through the rehab a lot quicker than we thought he would. We thought it would be a different injury that might require a longer rehab.

“He is very professional and thorough in his training and preparation for his cricket. The more cricket he plays, the better he will get.”

The touring County players will report back in March for the pre-season trip to Abu Dhabi.