Australian Trio Head to County Cricket as Hampshire Sign Neser and Lehmann, Gloucestershire Add Scott

Hampshire have bolstered their squad ahead of the 2026 English season with the signings of Australian allrounder Michael Neser and batter Jake Lehmann, while Liam Scott is set to join Gloucestershire for the T20 Blast and part of the County Championship.

Neser Returns for Early-Season Championship Stint

Fresh from claiming his maiden Test five-wicket haul against England at the Gabba, 35-year-old Michael Neser will rejoin Hampshire for the first six rounds of the 2026 County Championship in April and May. Neser previously spent time at the club in 2024, featuring in the T20 Blast and one Championship fixture, and has also enjoyed successful spells with Glamorgan, where he has taken 80 first-class wickets at 23.00 and posted a career-best 176*.

Hampshire director of cricket Giles White said Neser’s arrival would provide a significant boost:
“Michael brings valuable runs alongside his quality with the ball – he will partner Kyle Abbott as one of our overseas players.”

Lehmann Signs Two-Year Deal as Local Player

Jake Lehmann, 33, has agreed a two-year contract and will be registered as a local player thanks to his UK passport, though doing so may require him to forfeit domestic-player status in Australia. The South Australia stalwart was pivotal in his state’s 2024–25 Sheffield Shield title, finishing as the competition's third-highest run-scorer with 750 runs at 44.11, and currently leads their tally this season.

Lehmann, who has previously played county cricket with Yorkshire (2016) and Lancashire (2019), said joining Hampshire carried special meaning:
“Hampshire has a fantastic history of Australian players, and to follow in the footsteps of Shane Warne and Matthew Hayden is really special.”

White praised Lehmann’s form and versatility:
“Jake is in outstanding form and the leading run-scorer in Shield cricket over the past 18 months. With a British passport, he gives us vital flexibility in shaping the squad.”

Hampshire narrowly avoided relegation in the 2025 County Championship and will head into 2026 under new head coach Russell Domingo, following the departure of Adi Birrell.

Gloucestershire Bring in Rising Allrounder Liam Scott

Gloucestershire have also strengthened their ranks with the signing of 25-year-old allrounder Liam Scott for the 2026 T20 Blast, with availability for two Championship rounds in June. Scott, who was part of South Australia’s Shield-winning side alongside Lehmann, recently struck his maiden first-class century — a commanding 147 from 171 balls.

Gloucestershire director of cricket Jon Lewis described Scott as a high-potential acquisition:
“Liam is an exciting young allrounder whose stock is on the rise. Adding a third overseas player with a different skillset will help balance our T20 squad.”

Lewis added that Scott follows a line of successful Australian allrounders to represent the club, expressing confidence he could become Gloucestershire’s next standout overseas performer.