RICHARD Dawson has been handed the chance to revive his

county cricket career after Gloucestershire yesterday gave the

spin bowler a two-year contract, writes Mark Easterbrook.

Capped seven times by England, Dawson's future in the

professional game was thrown into doubt when he was released by

Northamptonshire earlier this summer.

Dawson, pictured, did some coaching at Gordonstoun School in

Scotland before Gloucestershire decided to take him on trial

until the end of the season, and an impressive spell of 2-29 in

Wednesday's Pro40 success over Middlesex has helped convince

the county he was worth a long-term deal.

Dawson said: "I am really excited about the following two

seasons at Gloucestershire and I am looking forward to working

with such a strong squad."

Gloucestershire team mentor Jack Russell said: "The players

and support staff are delighted that Richard has joined us

full-time. Not only is he a high quality cricketer, but is a

quality person who fits the required attitude to help take this

team forward."

Dawson is expected to play in today's Pro40 match with

Worcestershire at New Road.

Gloucestershire go into the game on the back of three

successive wins, at the top of the table and with a great

chance to claim some silverware from an otherwise disappointing

campaign.

The county will be without batsman Craig Spearman, who

recently returned to action following the fractured cheekbone

injury he suffered in a Twenty20 Cup match against

Northants.

A Gloucestershire statement said of Spearman's absence from

today's match: "This decision has been taken due to some

remaining issues regarding his eye, that sustained a nasty

injury earlier in the season.

"There is still some deficiency in Craig's vision that has

been highlighted while playing in the last two games. We will

be further evaluating this over the next few weeks."

Spearman's absence could mean a recall for Alex Gidman. The

former England A captain has not played in the last couple of

Pro40 matches following a loss of form.

Australian paceman Brendan Drew is set to play his second

game for the county after being signed as short-term overseas

replacement for Marcus North.

Worcestershire, last season's champions, find themselves

battling against relegation and hit by injuries, which have

deprived them of key bowlers Kabir Ali and Simon Jones.

But the hosts still possess one of the strongest batting

units in county cricket, as they showed in tying with

Somerset's 298-6 on Thursday.

Gloucestershire (from): K Ali, Marshall, Hardinges, Gidman,

Taylor, Brown, Adshead, Drew, Dawson, Lewis, Kirby, Snell,

Saxelby.

Worcestershire (from): Solanki, Davies, Moore, Smith, Hick,

Mitchell, M Ali, Batty, Andrew, Arif, Harris, Whelan.