Worcestershire’s Alex Hepburn has been charged with raping a woman after an investigation by West Mercia police. The county said the all-rounder has been suspended on full pay after being charged with two counts of rape for an incident on 1 April this year.

The West Mercia force has confirmed that the Australian-born Hepburn, aged 21, of Diglis, Worcester, was charged this month and will appear before magistrates in the city on 7 December.

“Worcestershire CCC can confirm that Alex Hepburn was charged on the 9th November with two counts of rape following an investigation by West Mercia police. Hepburn has been suspended on full pay pending further investigation and will next appear at Worcester magistrates’ court on 7 December 2017,” his county said in a statement. “As the matter is now subject to criminal proceedings the club is unable to provide any further comment at this stage.”

Worcestershire also confirmed they are dealing with a disciplinary matter involving the director of cricket, Steve Rhodes, which relates solely to the former England wicketkeeper’s role at the club. “The matter is ongoing so at this time there will be no further comment,” the statement added.

An England and Wales Cricket Board spokesman told ESPNcricinfo: “The ECB can confirm Steve Rhodes will not be travelling to South Africa as head coach to the Young Lions on secondment from Worcestershire. Richard Dawson, the Gloucestershire head coach, will take on the role of head coach to the Young Lions squad in South Africa.”