Warwickshire sign Australian allrounder Nathan McAndrew

McAndrew will be available for 10 first-class matches, beginning with the club's second game of the season against Essex

Warwickshire have signed Australian allrounder Nathan McAndrew as an overseas player for their LV= Insurance County Championship title defence.

The 28-year-old will be available for 10 first-class matches, beginning with the club's second game of the season against Essex at Edgbaston.

He will also be available to deputise for fellow overseas signings Carlos Brathwaite and Paul Stirling in the T20 Blast.

Commenting on joining Warwickshire, McAndrew said: "Coming over to England to play Championship cricket is something that many cricketers around the world aspire to. To get the chance to represent the County Champions is an unbelievable opportunity.

"I've thoroughly enjoyed my move to South Australia, but I want to build on the last few months by taking more wickets for Warwickshire. I've been playing the best cricket of my career, so I can't wait to get to Edgbaston and get started with the Bears."

^{McAndrew, who represents Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash will also be available for the T20 Blast [Mike Owen/Getty Images]}

Director of cricket, Paul Farbrace, sees McAndrew as a replacement for Tim Bresnan, who took 12 wickets and scored 311 last season before retiring from cricket, and while he lacks the Englishman's experience – he has made just 11 first-class appearances – he is a player in strong form.

In the 2021/22 Sheffield Shield, the medium-pacer, in his debut season, collected 27 wickets at 30.18 and conceded just 2.69 runs per over for South Australia – a haul only Mark Steketee (32) could better.

14 of his wickets were players batting in the top four, showing his impact as a first-change bowler, while he is also something of a workhorse, bowling nearly 60 overs more than his nearest teammate.

His arrival adds further depth to a Warwickshire attack already brimming with pace depth, including Liam Norwell, Craig Miles, Oliver Hannon-Dalby, Chris Woakes (when available), Will Rhodes and, making a welcome return from injury, Olly Stone.

In T20 cricket, he has taken 34 wickets and scored 147 runs in 41 appearances.

Farbrace said: "We've looked closely at Nathan over the Australian summer and believe that he could thrive in English conditions. He’s had a good first season with South Australia and he recognises that platform that playing county cricket can give him in getting recognised by the Australian selectors.

"With the retirement of Tim Bresnan earlier this year, securing a strong bowling all-rounder in Nathan is exactly what we need to help balance our attack and we’re looking forward to welcoming him into the dressing room at Edgbaston next month."

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