Jimmy Neesham signs up for Vitality Blast stint with Northants
Black Caps allrounder Jimmy Neesham will join the Northamptonshire Steelbacks for the 2022 Vitality Blast.
A stalwart of the New Zealand side since his T20 debut in 2012, Neesham has now made close to 200 appearances in the abbreviated format.
Neesham has enjoyed previous stints in County Cricket with Derbyshire and Kent, so this won’t be his first rodeo.
“I’m excited to get going with Northamptonshire in 2022.” Neesham said in a statement on the Northants CCC website.
“The club has a fantastic history in the Blast and I hope that we can recreate those successes from 2013 and 2016.”
Neesham has 2,360 runs and 158 wickets to his name in T20 cricket, boasting an impressive strike rate of 136 with the bat.
Steelbacks Skipper Josh Cobb has had first-hand experience of what the experienced Neesham offers.
“Having spent time with him at the Welsh Fire in The Hundred last year I know what he can bring to us.” Cobb said.
“He’s a three dimensional cricketer with genuine power and a high strike rate in the middle order, but it was his character that stood out to me. He’s someone who wants to win and is very selfless, he’s a real team first kind of player.
“I’m looking forward to having him here as a leader, to pass on his experience and help drive us to be better.”
Subject to international clearance, Neesham will join the Steelbacks for the duration of the 2022 Vitality Blast and will also be available for selection for Northamptonshire in the LV= Insurance County Championship fixture in June.
“The opportunity to possibly play some First Class cricket for the county in Division One is also an exciting challenge.” Neesham said.
“I look forward to linking up with everyone at Wantage Road soon.”
Neesham’s last First Class match was in the County Championship last July in the fixture between Derbyshire and Essex.
The 31-year-old is currently turning out for Wellington in New Zealand’s ongoing Super Smash.
Latest
-
NewsEffects of lockdown on bowlers may be playing part in spate of stress fractures
In the past week Jofra Archer, Saqib Mahmood and Matthew Fisher have all been ruled out for the season with lower back injuries.
-
NewsBen Stokes to be subject of Amazon documentary created by Sam Mendes
The 30-year-old will open up on his World Cup and Headingley heroics as well as his off-the-field troubles.
-
NewsJofra Archer setback adds to England’s fast bowling injury crisis
Saqib Mahmood, Jofra Archer and Matthew Fisher have all been ruled out for the season this week.
-
NewsEngland bowler Jofra Archer sidelined for the summer after injury setback
Archer has suffered a stress fracture of the lower back.
-
NewsPaul Farbrace: Che Simmons may play for England after signing Warwickshire deal
The 18-year-old has signed a three-year contract.
-
NewsPaul Collingwood ‘desperate to help out’ new England coaches, says Rob Key
Australia’s Matthew Mott has been appointed to lead the white-ball team, with Brendon McCullum the new man in charge of the Test side.
-
NewsMatt Parkinson out of England squad with Harry Brook and Matthew Potts included
James Anderson and Stuart Broad are back.
-
NewsMatthew Mott takes control of England’s white-ball teams – who is the new coach?
The 48-year-old Australian is England’s new limited-overs head coach.
-
NewsAustralian Matthew Mott named head coach of England men’s white-ball teams
Mott has signed a four-year agreement, having edged out Paul Collingwood for the role.
-
EnglandHarry Brook and Matthew Potts included in England Test squad
James Anderson and Stuart Broad also return.