New Zealand pacer Neil Wagner to feature for Yorkshire in 10-game stint next County Championship season

New Zealand left-arm pacer Neil Wagner is set to play 10 games for Yorkshire in the forthcoming LV= Insurance Championship season. Wagner has experience in county cricket after having represented Lancashire and Essex previously in the competition.

The Kiwi pacer will join Division Two opener against Leicestershire on April 6 with his deal running till the end of July. Yorkshire's managing director of cricket, Darren Gough expressed his delight after acquiring his services for the initial 10 games of the season.

"We are delighted to have confirmed the signing of Neil for the opening ten rounds of the Championship. His record in first-class cricket is phenomenal, and the impact he has had on Test cricket playing for New Zealand has been huge. We are blessed to have some great bowlers to choose from within our ranks and believe that, with the addition of Neil, we have the bowlers to bowl any team out, " Gough said.

Neil Wagner signs for Yorkshire

At 36, the New Zealander is the fifth-highest Test wicket-taker of the national side with 246 wickets at an average of 26.71. Furthermore, Wagner has won the County Championship with Essex in 2017 as he heads for a new assignment with Yorkshire. The Kiwi player stated that he was honoured to have been signed by the county and that he wants to play a vital role in pushing the side to earn a promotion to Division One. 

"I've always enjoyed playing my cricket in England and to be getting this opportunity again at such a big club like Yorkshire CCC is a great honour. I feel like I can offer a lot to the team with my experience, attitude and skill set, so I can't wait to get going. I want to be a big part of helping move the team back up into Division One,” told Wagner.

Pakistan batter Shan Masood will lead the side for the forthcoming season while Matt Milnes and all-rounder Ben Mike join the side from Kent and Leicestershire respectively.