AUSTRALIAN Michael Neser has joined Hampshire Hawks for the first eight games of their 2024 Vitality Blast campaign.

The 33 year old will also be available for selection in any County Championship matches during that period.

Neser is a bowling all-rounder with a wealth of experience across all three formats. In T20s alone he has accumulated 130 wickets at an average of 23.74 from 116 appearances.

Most recently he was part of the Brisbane Heat side who won the 2023-24 Big Bash League (BBL), taking 12 wickets during the campaign.

It was the second time Neser has lifted the trophy, having won the competition in 2018 with Adelaide Strikers.

Speaking after joining Hampshire, Neser said: "I am very excited to have joined Hampshire Hawks for this year’s Vitality Blast and can’t wait to join up with the squad.

"Utilita Bowl looks to be an amazing place to play cricket and hopefully I can contribute to more success on the pitch."

He has spent the past three years at Glamorgan, primarily starring for their red ball side, but he also made 10 appearances in the 2022 Vitality Blast campaign – taking 13 wickets.

Hampshire director of cricket, Giles White added: "Nathan (Ellis) had a very positive impact on the team and we are confident that Michael will do the same.

"He adds quality across the disciplines and formats – he also comes with an excellent reputation as a team-oriented player.

"He has good experience of English conditions and hopefully he can hit the ground running."

In international cricket, Neser has represented Australia at both ODI and Test level, making his debut in the latter during the 2021-22 Ashes series against England.