Somerset Wants Nixon McLean

West Indies fast bowling reject Nixon McLean is being courted by Somerset to be their second overseas player next year, according to published reports.

The Vincentian fast bowler, who played for Hampshire on the English county circuit in 1998 and 1999, last played for the West Indies in March 2001. "He's one of the people we've made an offer to, but we haven't had a response yet. One of the reasons we identified him is that he won't be involved in international cricket," Somerset CEO Peter Anderson said.

McLean, who plays provincial cricket for KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa, participated in the recent Red Stripe Bowl tournament in the Caribbean but was not considered when the regional selectors picked the touring team for India.

In 19 Tests for the West Indies, McLean has taken 44 wickets, averaging 42.56. In 101 first class matches, he has taken 338 wickets, at 27.07 per.