Hampshire sign Australia Ashes hero Neser and Lehmann

Hampshire have signed Australian duo Michael Neser and Jake Lehmann on deals for next season.

Neser joins the club for the first six County Championship matches prior to the T20 Blast while Lehmann has penned a two-year all-format deal at the Utilita Bowl.

Neser delivered a standout performance in the second Ashes Test last week when he came in for spinner Nathan Lyon and took five wickets for 42 runs in the second innings on the way to a comprehensive eight-wicket victory for the hosts.

The right arm fast bowling all-rounder has previously played for the Hawks in 2024 when he took 13 wickets across eight matches in the County Championship and T20 Blast.

Neser plays for Queensland Bulls in Australian domestic cricket as well as Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League (BBL).

"In Michael Neser and Jake Lehmann we have two players who have the ability to make a significant impact," Hampshire director of cricket Giles White said.

"Michael brings valuable runs alongside his quality with the ball - he will partner Kyle Abbott as one of our overseas players."

Lehmann arrives at Hampshire on a deal that will keep him at the county for the next two years.

The left hander has previously played in England for Sussex and Yorkshire and is the eldest son of former Australia coach and current Northamptonshire head coach Darren Lehmann.

He plays for Adelaide Strikers in the BBL and has scored over 5,000 runs in first-class cricket for South Australia with 16 career centuries.

"Jake is in outstanding form and is the leading run scorer in Shield cricket over the past 18 months," White added.

"With a British passport, he is eligible to play as a locally qualified player, allowing flex in strengthening the squad.

"Both players possess a great attitude and bring quality and experience; it's a great boost as we look to finalise our plans ahead of 2026."