James Neesham to play for Northamptonshire in the upcoming T20 Blast

Kiwi all-rounder James Neesham has joined Northamptonshire for the upcoming season of the T20 Blast. Neesham has played for Derbyshire, Essex, and Kent in county cricket in the past. He also featured for Welsh Fire in the inaugural season of The Hundred. Neesham picked seven wickets in seven matches at an average of 17.28, an economy of 9.07, and a strike rate of 11.4 in The Hundred tournament.

Neesham has played for several franchises in T20 tournaments across the globe. He has made 2360 runs in 181 T20 matches at an average of 22.69 and a strike rate of 136.81. Neesham has made five half-centuries in T20 cricket. Neesham has picked 158 wickets at an average of 25.17, an economy of 8.99, and a strike rate of 16.7.

Neesham might be available for the entire T20 Blast campaign in May, June, and July. He will also be taking part in the County games scheduled to be played in June. Neesham is currently playing for Wellington in the Super Smash tournament where he has picked in six matches at an average of 16.66, an economy of 7.69, and a strike rate of 13.

“I’m excited to get going with Northamptonshire in 2022,” Neesham said as quoted by Cricinfo. “The club has a fantastic history in the Blast and I hope that we can recreate those successes from 2013 and 2016.”

James Neesham is a three-dimensional cricketer: Northamptonshire captain Josh Cobb

Northamptonshire captain Josh Cobb played alongside Neesham in The Hundred and understands what he can bring to the table. Cobb called Neesham a real team player and a three-dimensional cricketer.

“He’s a three-dimensional cricketer with genuine power and a high strike rate in the middle order, but it was his character that stood out to me. He’s someone who wants to win and is very selfless, he’s a real team-first kind of player.

“I’m looking forward to having him here as a leader, to pass on his experience and help drive us to be better.”

“The opportunity to possibly play some first-class cricket for the county in Division One is also an exciting challenge,” Neesham said. “I look forward to linking up with everyone at Wantage Road soon.”