Leicestershire bring in Neesham to replace Mulder

Jimmy Neesham played in two of New Zealand's group games at the T20 World Cup

Leicestershire have signed New Zealand all-rounder Jimmy Neesham for the rest of their T20 Blast campaign to replace US-bound Wiaan Mulder.

South African Mulder, 26, has signed to play in Major League Cricket (MLC) throughout July.

But the Foxes now have 33-year-old Neesham, part of New Zealand's World Cup final team at Lord's in 2019, recruited for their final six T20 North Group fixtures.

“Jimmy brings immense international pedigree and adds perfect balance to our side at a crucial point of our campaign," said director of cricket Claude Henderson.

Leicestershire, seeking a fourth T20 title and first in 13 years, sit third in their group.

Following a two-match break for a return to the County Championship programme, T20 games resume on Friday, 5 July with a trip to Trent Bridge to play struggling Nottinghamshire Outlaws.

"The team is going really well, so I’m excited to help the guys push for a quarter-final spot," said Neesham.

"The fans are really passionate. It’s a lively atmosphere I’ve experienced first-hand. I’m looking forward to having them on my side this time."

Neesham will be making his fifth appearance in English T20 cricket, having played for Derbyshire in 2016, Kent in 2017, Essex in 2021 and Northants in 2022.

He has also twice played in the Men's Hundred, for Welsh Fire in 2022 and then Oval Invincibles in 2023, when he hit a match-winning 57 not out in 33 balls at Lord's.

Neesham has scored 3,957 runs and taken 220 wickets in 276 T20 appearances worldwide - including 79 for the Black Caps.