Surrey sign Michael Neser for first half of 2020 Championship season as overseas player

The Australian seamer is signed up until early July - with more expected to follow at The Kia Oval ahead of the new campaign

Australia fast-bowler Michael Neser will join Surrey as their overseas player for the first half of the County Championship next season.

The 29-year-old was part of the Ashes squad which retained the urn with a 2-2 series draw against England but did not feature in any of the five Tests.

His only previous two outings for his country came in the one-day international series against the world champions in the summer of 2018.

In nine Sheffield Shield matches for Queensland in 2018-19 Neser took 33 wickets at 23.03 and scored 481 runs at 43.72.

Neser has already claimed 12 scalps during this season's competition and is eager to get going in county cricket.

"It has been a long-held ambition of mine to play county cricket," he said.

"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."

Director of cricket Alec Stewart added: "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 Specsavers 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."

Dean Elgar was Surrey's overseas player during the last two campaigns, in what was a second spell with the south London club.

Only when the fixture list for next season's Championship is revealed next month will Surrey be able to establish how many games Neser will be available for.

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