Surrey rope in Michael Neser for 2020 county season
Michael Neser has signed a deal with Surrey County Club for the first half of the County Championship season next year. The 29-year-old, who has played two ODIs for his country, was part of Australia's set-up in the recently-concluded Ashes series in England, although he didn't get a game.
Neser played two ODIs during Australia's 5-0 drubbing in England last summer and since then, he has been warming the bench. However, he has become a prolific wicket-taker in the Sheffield Shield in recent years, with his 39 scalps in the 2017-18 season of Sheffield Shield helping Queensland win the title. He added another 33 wickets in the next season, and this year, he has had 12 wickets at 15.91 in his two appearances so far this season. After signing his deal, Neser said that playing county cricket was a "long-held ambition" of his and he is extremely happy that he will make his debut this season.Â
"To be able to do so at The Kia Oval alongside some fabulous players is obviously hugely exciting for me. I look forward to contributing and helping the guys challenge at the top of the County Championship in 2020," Neser was quoted as saying, reported Cricinfo.
Alec Stewart, Surrey's director of cricket, noted: "What I have seen of him, plus strong recommendations from former Australian players whose opinions I greatly respect, means I am very pleased Michael will join us for the first half of next year's County Championship. The experience he will have gained from being a part of Australia's Ashes squad will stand him in good stead for the coming season. I look forward to seeing him perform successfully in a Surrey shirt."
Surrey won the County Championship in 2018 but failed the replicate the same performance last season, ending up at a disappointing sixth on the points table last season, with just two wins to show for their efforts.