McMillan agrees Hampshire deal

New Zealand's Craig McMillan is joining Hampshire as cover for Simon Katich

Hampshire have signed experienced New Zealand all-rounder Craig McMillan on a short-term contract as cover for Simon Katich when he begins international duty for Australia this summer.

McMillan, who has played in 55 Tests and 162 limited-overs internationals, will make his Hampshire debut on May 30 in the totesport League match against Northamptonshire Steelbacks at The Rose Bowl.

His final appearance will be the home floodlit totesport League match against Worcestershire Royals on July 26 before he returns home to prepare for a series in Zimbabwe.

The 28-year-old Kiwi star said: "I am very excited about the opportunity of playing for Hampshire. The prospect of lining up alongside Shane Warne after playing against him for seven or eight years is also very appealing.

“I look forward to contributing to what is already a very successful team."
Hampshire have also confirmed they are in talks with Shane Watson, the Australian international all-rounder who played for the county last season.

Watson would be available from mid-July, after the NatWest Challenge matches against England, when Warne and Katich are away on Test match duty.