Friday, September 1 2006 12:30 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

London: Indian left-arm seamer Zaheer Khan has said he would like to continue his association with Worcestershire after enjoying a successful stint with the county side this season.

Zaheer is drafted in by the Pears as a last-minute replacement for Australian paceman Nathan Bracken and has so far taken 69 first-class wickets; a figure surpassed this season only by Sussex spinner Mushtaq Ahmed.

"Worcester is definitely a place I'd like to come back to next year. I've really enjoyed this season. The dressing room has been great and I have made a lot of new friends," says the bowler who is recently drafted among probables for the Champions Trophy after being ignored for the last six months.

"The ground here is also very beautiful and hopefully if things go well I might come back next year, I've not really had any discussions with the club so far and am just focusing on finishing the season on a good note," he tells sources.

"That is what I am concentrating on now and maybe after the season has finished we will see how it goes."

Zaheer also says he is hoping to make a comeback to the Indian side on the back of his performances.

"India is touring England for three months next season so that might be a factor. I am very hopeful of being recalled to the Indian side very soon. It will be down to my performances and that is in my hands."

"But if I can't come back to Worcester next season, I would definitely like to come back here some time in the future. Hopefully I can come back and play for the side in Division One of the County Championship."