Nannes coup for Nottinghamshire

Dirk Nannes, back row, second from right, returns to English Twenty20 after winning the 2008 Twenty20 Cup with Middlesex

Australia pace bowler Dirk Nannes will serve as an overseas player for Nottinghamshire in the revamped Friends Provident t20 next season.

The much-travelled 33-year-old left-armer is recognised as something of a Twenty20 specialist.

A previous winner of the Twenty20 Cup with Middlesex in 2008, he is also the all-time leading wicket-taker in Australia’s domestic Twenty20 competition, the KFC Twenty20 Big Bash.

Nannes had a productive first season in the Indian Premier League with Delhi Daredevils this year, before going on to represent the Netherlands in the ICC World Twenty20 by virtue of his Dutch parentage. He was part of the team that beat England in the first match.

Following that tournament, Nannes switched allegiance back to Australia, and made his one-day international debut against Scotland on their post-Ashes tour this summer.

Notts director of cricket Mick Newell said: “I regard Dirk as the most effective Twenty20 bowler in the world and he will be a great addition to our attack given the wealth of experience he possesses.

“The likes of Ali Brown, David Hussey, Samit Patel, Alex Hales and Chris Read will give provide good depth to our t20 batting line-up, so bolstering the bowling unit was always going to be the priority when we were considering our recruitment plans.

“Dirk has got good pace, he can bowl left-arm around the wicket and he bowls a good yorker which will come into play at the end of the innings.

“His achievements in the IPL underline his pedigree and we’re signing him at the peak of his powers.”

Nannes' compatriot Hussey is to arrive for a spell as Notts’ main overseas player after the duration of the 2010 IPL, which is due to finish on April 25.

And following changes to the rules and regulations by the ECB, counties will now be able to field two overseas players in the Friends Provident t20, allowing the Outlaws to make this move for Nannes.

Nannes said: “I’m ecstatic to have the opportunity to come and play for Nottinghamshire next year and to have the familiar faces of past team-mates Hussey and (Darren) Pattinson lining up alongside me as well as respected former opposition.

“Nottinghamshire is a proud club, and has been highly recommended to me by former players and opposition alike.

“I have no doubt it will be a great season, and I am looking forward to the challenge of trying to win another Twenty20 title.”