Leicestershire County Cricket Club confirmed today that they have signed Australian Test all-rounder Andrew McDonald for the 2010 cricket season.
Leicestershire Chief Executive David Smith was delighted with the club’s new signing and said: “Andrew comes very highly recommended from our sources in Australia.
“He has played the last four Test Matches for Australia and he is one of only five cricketers to have scored 750 runs and taken 25 wickets in a Sheffield Shield/Pura Cup Season.
“He will bring a strong all round balance to the side and will also be a big asset for us in one day cricket.
McDonald’s record for his state of Victoria is excellent and he has captained them on a number of occasions.
Last season in seven Sheffield games, he scored 356 runs at an average of 44 and took 22 wickets at 21. McDonald plays in the same state side as former Leicestershire player Brad Hodge, who spent two prolific years at the club in 2003 and 2004.
Smith added: "Andrew will be a good role model to our young players at Leicestershire County Cricket Club and we look forward to welcoming him to the club in April 2010.
"The club's selection policy for 2010 will see Leicestershire play nine English-qualified players and two non-qualified players in all forms of cricket. Andrew will fit into this structure."
Smith also said that Leicestershire CCC would not have signed an Australian test cricketer during an Ashes summer campaign.
