Graeme Hick playing for a county other than Worcestershire would be almost as unthinkable as New Road without a view of the cathedral. But it looked briefly possible when Derbyshire confirmed that they had made a formal approach for the 40-year-old former England batsman. That added urgency to Worcestershire�..s contract talks with Hick, who scored his 100th first-class century for the county this summer. To their relief Hick signed a new one-year contract within days of Derbyshire�..s interest being made public.

�..It was flattering to hear another county was interested but my heart was always with Worcestershire,�.� Hick says. �..I�..ve played here all my career and didn�..t want to go anywhere else. I had a chat with Derbyshire and listened to what they had to say but in the end I just couldn�..t leave. It wouldn�..t have felt right to play in any other colours.�.� Hick has yet to decide whether next season will be his last and has not ruled out the possibility of prolonging his career further.

�..At this stage I�..m going to take it a season at a time,�.� he says. �..We�..ll see how I feel this time next year.�.�

Paul Bolton, The Wisden Cricketer