Experienced allrounder Michael Neser’s career is on the up again, with his Ashes starring role being followed by another stint in English cricket next year
Michael Neser, fresh from starring in Australia’s second-Test triumph in the Ashes, has been snapped up for another county stint in England next season.
The rejuvenated veteran allrounder, who’s helped push Australia to the verge of retaining the urn by taking his maiden Test five-for in the second innings of the win at the Gabba last week, will return to Hampshire for a second stint.
The first-division south coast county has also signed up Jake Lehmann on a two-year deal, continuing its long association with Australian cricketing imports, headed by Shane Warne, Matthew Hayden and Michael Clarke.
The 35-year-old Neser will feature in Hampshire’s first six county championship matches in 2026 while 33-year-old batter Lehmann has penned an all-format deal at the Southampton-based county.
Neser played at Hampshire last year, his second county stint after also playing for Glamorgan, as he took 13 wickets across eight matches in the county championship and the T20 Blast competition.
“In Michael Neser and Jake Lehmann we have two players who have the ability to make a significant impact,” Hampshire director of cricket Giles White said.
“Michael brings valuable runs alongside his quality with the ball – he will partner (veteran South African) Kyle Abbott as one of our overseas players.”
Left-hander Lehmann, who’s also been in form, having scored a ton for South Australia against Tasmania in the Sheffield Shield last week, has also had previous experience of the championship with Lancashire and Yorkshire.
His father, former Australia batter Darren Lehmann, is currently coach of Northamptonshire.
Hampshire will take advantage of the fact that Lehmann has a British passport and is eligible to play as a locally qualified player.
Meanwhile, Gloucestershire have signed South Australia’s promising 24-year-old Adelaide Strikers allrounder Liam Scott for the T20 Blast next June.
