Michael Neser joins Glamorgan as overseas player for 2021

The 30-year-old will play in the County Championship and Royal London Cup for the Welsh county, lining up alongside compatriot Marnus Labuschagne, who will be arriving for his second stint with the club

Glamorgan have signed Australian seamer Michael Neser as their second overseas player for the 2021 season.

The 30-year-old will play in the County Championship and Royal London Cup for the Welsh county, lining up alongside compatriot Marnus Labuschagne, who will be arriving for his second stint with the club.

Neser, a veteran of two ODIs, is yet to make his Test bow but has been part of several squads in recent years, including a place in Australia’s touring party for last year’s Ashes series.

Last week, he took his fourth career five-wicket haul in first-class cricket, while also adding his maiden red-ball century in a Sheffield Shield victory against Tasmania.

Speaking on joining Glamorgan, Neser said: “I’m thrilled to sign for Glamorgan and play in Wales. I’ve played with a few guys who have played at Glamorgan – Charlie Hemphrey, Usman Khawaja, and especially Marnus – and they’ve had nothing but praise for the club, the way things are done, the culture at Sophia Gardens and the friendliness of all the staff and locals.

“I’m still desperate to play county cricket after my spell this year was cancelled, so when I heard Glamorgan were interested I didn’t have to think twice.

“I’m keen to come over, showcase my skills, and do what I can to win games of cricket for Glamorgan. I’ve got those international ambitions, and I saw what playing for Glamorgan did for Marnus, and I’m hoping to do the same thing.”

Michael Neser: "I'd hate the thought of being a nearly man"

Neser had been due to represent Surrey in the 2020 summer, only for the impact of the coronavirus pandemic to cancel those plans.

Glamorgan director of cricket Mark Wallace added: “Michael is a high-quality player and he’ll add a lot to the dressing room. He’s an experienced pro and he’s got international quality and ambition, and that desire to do well.

“His ability with both bat and ball makes him a very dangerous player at any moment in a game and we see him as one of the best bowling all-rounders in the domestic game anywhere in the world, and brings a great balance to our side.

“The young players will benefit from watching how he goes about his business, and I’m certain he’ll be a fan favourite very quickly. We can’t wait to see him out there at Sophia Gardens.”