Wagner a good fit for Essex who will wait on Amir
NEIL Wagner will fill in for Mohammad Amir at Essex next summer with the New Zealand fast bowler agreeing a deal to play for the first half of the 2017 County Championship season and One-Day Cup.
Amir will replace Wagner midway through the season, with Wagner already having had county experience after he had a spell with Lancashire during the 2016 season.
The 30-year-old claimed 32 Championship wickets for the Red Rose, including 6-66 on his debut against Nottinghamshire. He also equalled a world record in 2011 by taking five wickets in a six-ball first-class over for Otago against Wellington.
Wagner said:“I really enjoyed my time in England with Lancashire last season, but I am excited about linking up with Essex and building on the team’s success in 2016.
“I want to bring my experience to the team and help us win games. I hope to help the squad get off to a good start in both competitions.”
Wagner, a left-arm seamer, has represented New Zealand in 27 Tests taking 108 wickets, including a best of 6 for 41.
Essex head coach Chris Silverwood said:“Neil will bring vast experience at the highest level to the club, as well as a skill set that will be valuable in the opening months of the season.
“He performed excellently for Lancashire last year and is also useful with the bat lower down the order. Hopefully he can help us hit the ground running in 2017.”
Amir will join Essex following international commitments and will be available for all formats.
The Pakistan bowler returned to international cricket in January following a five-year ban after being convicted of spot fixing in a Lord’s Test in 2010. Neil Wagner is an impressive and intelligent bowler who, in early season English conditions, will pose problems for the very best on the domestic front. His nagging accuracy, pushing the ball across the right-hander, will be a huge bonus for Essex and when the harder pitches come into play midway through the season, Mohammad Amir will bring added firepower.