James Neesham joins Derbyshire for NatWest T20 Blast
Tuesday 1 March 2016 07:47, UK
Derbyshire have added further international experience for this summer's NatWest T20 Blast by signing New Zealand all-rounder James Neesham.
Subject to international clearance, the 25-year-old will join fellow countrymen and Otago team-mates Hamish Rutherford and Neil Broom for the duration of the event.
The left-handed batsman has made 13 Twenty20 international appearances for New Zealand, with a strike-rate of 138 and a batting index of 166.
In total he has featured in 69 Twenty20 fixtures, including appearances for IPL franchise Delhi Daredevils, scoring at an average of just under 30 and claiming 51 wickets, with best figures of 3-16.
He has also played in nine Tests and 19 ODIs for New Zealand.
Derbyshire elite performance director Graeme Welch said: "Winning the race to sign James means we can add more quality and experience to our Twenty20 side.
"He's an exciting talent, with IPL experience, and has the capability to win games with both bat and ball.
"To have three internationals, all of whom are team-mates in New Zealand, available for the entire T20 Blast campaign is massive and will provide us with stability on the field and within the dressing room."
Neesham added: "The opportunity to play in the T20 Blast this summer with Derbyshire is fantastic and it'll be great to join up with Hamish and Neil.
"The three of us being able to contribute as a unit is a big attraction and should give us a real head start. Hamish has told me a lot about the club and their ambitions for the T20 Blast, and I'm looking forward to joining up with the squad later this year."
