Champions Warwickshire secure McAndrew as overseas player

LV= Insurance County Champions Warwickshire have secured Australian right-arm fast bowling all-rounder Nathan McAndrew, who joins the squad from the second game of their Championship defence versus Essex.

McAndrew (28) recently moved from his native New South Wales to South Australia and is second in the wicket-taker tables, with 27 wickets, and has also contributed 227 runs. He will be available for 10 Warwickshire matches in the LV= Insurance County Championship, starting with the second fixture of the season versus Essex, but can also deputise for Carlos Brathwaite and Paul Stirling as an overseas player in the Vitality Blast.

“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.

Paul Farbrace

“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.”

Warwickshire start their defence of the LV= Insurance County Championship at home to Surrey on Thursday 7 April. The Bears then miss the second round of matches before returning to Edgbaston to take on Essex on Thursday 21 April.

“Coming over to England to play Championship cricket is something that many cricketers around the world aspire to,” said Nathan McAndrew. “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.”