Neser signed by Hampshire who hope he'll be like Ellis

Allrounder Michael Neser has been signed by Hampshire, who hope he'll work the same magic for them as another Australian international Nathan Ellis did.

MICHAEL NESER of Queensland is congratulated by his teammates after dismissing Marcus Harris of Victoria during the Sheffield Shield match between Victoria and Queensland at MCG in Melbourne, Australia.
MICHAEL NESER of Queensland is congratulated by his teammates after dismissing Marcus Harris of Victoria during the Sheffield Shield match between Victoria and Queensland at MCG in Melbourne, Australia. Picture: Scott Barbour/Getty Images

Michael Neser, the Australian international bowling allrounder, has been snapped up by county side Hampshire for the upcoming English season.

The 33-year-old, who has starred for Glamorgan for the past three seasons, will play eight T20 matches in the national Blast competition and will also be available for some first-class county championship fare if needed for the south coast side.

They're hoping the South African-born Queenslander who's played two Tests and four ODIs will work some magic for them, just as his compatriot and fellow international Nathan Ellis has done over the past two seasons.

Ellis was a key figure with his death bowling in Hampshire's attack as the 'Hawks' won the Blast in 2022, famously having to effectively win the title twice in a nail-biting finale against Lancashire when he had to bowl the winning ball again after the first had been ruled a no-ball.

But with Ellis likely to be needed for the T20 World Cup, Hampshire set their sights on Neser, who could be called into county championship action as cover for Kyle Abbott and Mohammad Abbas.

"Nathan had a very positive impact on the team and we are confident that Michael will do the same," said Hampshire's director of cricket Giles White.

"He adds quality across the disciplines and formats - he also comes with an excellent reputation as a team-oriented player. He has good experience of English conditions and hopefully he can hit the ground running."

Neser's in good form, too, taking 12 wickets during Brisbane Heat's Big Bash League triumph over the summer, making some brilliant catches and playing a key knock of 64no in the win over Perth Scorchers.

"I am very excited and can't wait to join up with the squad," Neser said, as he gets ready to follow the strong Australian tradition at the Southampton-based club where Shane Warne, Shane Watson and Michael Clarke were once heroes.

"It looks to be an amazing place to play cricket and hopefully I can contribute to more success on the pitch."

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