Derbyshire have added further international experience to their line-up with the capture of New Zealand all-rounder James Neesham for the NatWest T20 Blast.



Subject to necessary approvals, the 25-year-old will be available for the entire NatWest T20 Blast campaign this summer alongside fellow countrymen and Otago teammates Hamish Rutherford and Neil Broom.

The left-handed batsman has made 13 Twenty20 international appearances for New Zealand, with an impressive strike-rate of 138 and a batting index of 166.

In total he has featured in 69 Twenty20 fixtures, including appearances for Indian Premier League (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.

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 teammates in New Zealand, available for the entire NatWest 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 the entire NatWest 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 NatWest T20 Blast, and I’m looking forward to joining up with the squad later this year.”

You can see James in a Derbyshire shirt this summer, starting with the NatWest T20 Blast fixture versus Leicestershire Foxes on Sunday 3 June at The 3aaa County Ground – and 2016 Membership is still the best value way to watch.

Derbyshire CCC Membership for 2016 is on sale. Purchase online at derbyshireccc.com, in person at The 3aaa County Ground or by calling 0871 350 1870.

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