Somerset Snaps up Nixon McLean

Former West Indies pacer Nixon McLean has scored a deal to be Somerset's second overseas player in 2003.

McLean who could not crack into the West Indies team for the ICC Trophy or the Test tour of India signed with the English county after a spectacular season with Natal in South Africa. The Vincentian McLean had stints with Hampshire in 1998 and 1999.

"In the light of our injury stricken season with fast bowlers the club decided that we had to sign a fast bowler as our second overseas player. Nixon McLean had an outstanding season for Natal in 2002 and good judges of players in South Africa tell us that he is now at the top of his game and he is a formidable strike bowler," said Somerset CEO Peter Anderson.

"When we first contacted him he said that he was excited at the prospect of filling Joel Garner's size fifteen boots, even though he only takes size twelve, and asked us me to tell Andy Caddick that he (Nixon) would be bowling with the wind next season," Anderson added.

"An attack containing Caddick, McLean and Richard Johnson would be formidable and would strike the hearts of any opening batsman on the circuit."

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.