• Sportzyverse
• Cricket news
• 06/29/2024
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Leicestershire has secured their second overseas signing by bringing in New Zealand all-rounder Jimmy Neesham for the latter half of the T20 Blast. This follows the recent signing of Ajinkya Rahane, who will join Leicestershire in mid-July for the One-Day Cup and the County Championship run-in.

Heeeere’s Jimmy! 🏏

Leicestershire bring in New Zealand international Jimmy Neesham for the remainder of the T20 season. 🇳🇿

He replaces Wiaan Mulder, who has signed up to play in the 2024 Major League Cricket tournament.

🦊 pic.twitter.com/ysAr0sny79

— BBC Sport Leicester (@BBCRLSport) June 28, 2024

Neesham, who played twice during New Zealand’s underwhelming T20 World Cup campaign, joins Leicestershire for six T20 Blast matches. He will replace Wiaan Mulder, who has committed to a Major League Cricket deal and is expected to be part of South Africa’s squad touring the West Indies, necessitating Rahane’s involvement.

Leicestershire, currently third in the North Group, aims to strengthen their squad for the remainder of the group stage and secure a spot in the knockout rounds, scheduled for September, with Neesham’s addition.

It’ll be fun: Jimmy Neesham about joining Leicestershire

Neesham has previously played county cricket for Derbyshire, Kent, Essex, and Northamptonshire. The 33-year-old expressed his excitement about joining Leicestershire. “It’ll be fun to play at Uptonsteel County Ground again. The fans are really passionate, and it’s a lively atmosphere I’ve experienced first-hand. I’m looking forward to having them on my side this time,” he said.

Leicestershire’s director of cricket, Claude Henderson, praised Neesham’s signing, describing the all-rounder as “a vastly experienced T20 star who can win games for Leicestershire with both bat and ball.” Henderson added, “He brings immense international pedigree and adds perfect balance to our side at a crucial point in our campaign. We look forward to watching Jimmy help win games for the Foxes.”

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In 2022, Neesham was part of a memorable and contentious Blast encounter between Leicestershire and Northamptonshire. During the match, a late runout involving Neesham and Arron Lilley led to a heated confrontation, resulting in one of two fixed penalties for Leicestershire in the same game. This led to a two-point deduction, ultimately costing them a quarter-final place.