Southampton, Dec 12 (NationPress) The Australian pair, Michael Neser and Jake Lehmann, are set to join Hampshire for the upcoming 2026 County Championship season. Neser, who recently showcased his talent by claiming a five-wicket haul in the latest Ashes victory in Brisbane, is expected to participate in the first six Championship matches before the T20 Blast begins.

Neser, now aged 35, took 13 wickets for Hampshire during the 2024 season across both the county championship and T20 blast formats. “With Michael Neser and Jake Lehmann on board, we’ve secured two players who can greatly influence our performance. Michael not only contributes valuable runs but also excels with the ball - he will join forces with Kyle Abbott as one of our overseas players,” stated Giles White, Director of Cricket at Hampshire.

In contrast, Lehmann, the son of former Australian cricketer and current Northamptonshire head coach Darren Lehmann, has penned a two-year all-format contract with the club. He has amassed 5,684 runs in 97 first-class matches for South Australia, including 16 centuries.

In the current Sheffield Shield tournament, Lehmann stands as South Australia’s top run scorer and ranks third overall in the competition with 426 runs. Notably, he has achieved two centuries and one fifty (96 against Western Australia) in ten innings so far.

“Jake is performing exceptionally well and has been the leading run scorer in Shield cricket over the past year and a half. With a British passport, he qualifies as a locally eligible player, providing us with flexibility to enhance our squad. Both players exhibit a commendable attitude and bring invaluable experience; their addition is a significant boost as we prepare for 2026,” White added.

Last season, Lehmann scored 750 runs, with a century in the final match, leading South Australia to their first Sheffield Shield title since 1995/96. He has previously played eight county matches in brief stints with Yorkshire in 2016, where he averaged 54.85, and Lancashire in 2019, accumulating 419 runs, including two fifties and one hundred.

“I’m thrilled to join Hampshire on a two-year deal; it’s wonderful to return to county cricket. Hampshire boasts a rich history of Australian players, and following in the footsteps of Shane Warne, Matthew Hayden, and others is truly special. I eagerly anticipate joining the team at Utilita Bowl and contributing to the trophy cabinet,” Lehmann expressed.