STEVE Rhodes says John Hastings is "raring to go" after rejoining Worcestershire in time for Saturday's Royal London One-Day Cup semi-final against Surrey at New Road (11am).

The Australian all-rounder last played for the County four-and-a-half weeks ago before linking up with his country for the ICC Champions Trophy.

In that time the 31-year-old played two warm-up matches versus Pakistan and Sri Lanka and the opening group game against New Zealand when he finished with 2-69.

Now Australia's early exit from the competition means Hastings is available for the rest of the summer at New Road.

Director of cricket Rhodes confirmed: "John will be back in for the semi-final and we will look forward to having him back.

"He's hardly played. He only played one game (in the Champions Trophy) and obviously you don't play too many if you go out in the first round.

"He will be fresh and keen and raring to go."

Hastings was Worcestershire's joint leading wicket-taker in the cup group campaign with 10 victims, the same as skipper Joe Leach.

He also made several useful contributions with the bat including 28 not out, 33, 30no and 36.

Paceman Jack Shantry said: "John is a man of international experience, an old head and he has impressed everyone.

"He has impressed me, the captain, the backroom staff and he is a big help in the dressing room."

Meanwhile, Rhodes and captain Leach have thanked Nathan Lyon for his contribution at New Road during the past month.

Australian spinner Lyon played the fourth and final County Championship match of his current spell in the defeat to Glamorgan at New Road.

But the player who has captured 247 wickets in 67 Tests has also been a big help off the pitch to the County's young spinners.

Rhodes said: "He's been great. He has really enjoyed his time here and we've enjoyed having him.

"He's been really useful for lads on and off the field in sharing his experience.

"Even on Monday he came in to have a look at the spinners during the second team practice."

Leach said: "Now is a good opportunity to thank Nathan for all he has done for us over this past three weeks.

"He has fitted into the dressing room seamlessly and he is a very good bloke.

"Nathan has bowled really well in a couple of games without having heaps of reward and he certainly helped our young spinners."