Notts Outlaws have strengthened their hand ahead of Friday's Friends Life t20 opener against Leicestershire Foxes after agreeing a deal to sign New Zealand fast bowler Ian Butler.
Butler, 31, will face-off against Notts batsmen Michael Lumb and Alex Hales in tonight's t20 international at The Oval before the trio return to Nottingham to join forces for the Outlaws' campaign.
He has played eight Tests, 26 One Day Internationals and 18 Twenty20 internationals for his country, taking 75 international wickets in all formats having made his international debut against England in 2002.
“There is a great tradition of New Zealand cricketers doing well with Nottinghamshire and I am really looking forward to playing at Trent Bridge.” Ian Butler
“Having faced Michael Lumb and Alex Hales in international cricket, I’m certainly looking forward to being on their side,” said Butler.
“The Notts Outlaws squad looks very strong and I feel well prepared having played two twenty20 internationals this week.
“There is a great tradition of New Zealand cricketers doing well with Nottinghamshire and I am really looking forward to playing at Trent Bridge.”
Nottinghamshire Director of Cricket Mick Newell moved quickly to secure Butler’s services.
"We knew that several New Zealanders were keen to have a stint in county cricket and Ian was our pick because we needed a bowler with pace and aggression," said Newell.
"We're placing a heavy workload on Ajmal Shahzad, Luke Fletcher and Harry Gurney and this signing will improve our quality and depth.
"Ian has a good international pedigree and he was very effective bowling to England's top order in Tuesday's match. I'm pleased with the squad that we have put together."
Butler will only be available for Friends Life t20 matches - the only format in which club's are permitted to field two overseas players.
Long-term injury absentee Andy Carter will be a miss for the Outlaws' bowling attack throughout their twenty20 campaign whilst Andre Adams and Ben Phillips are only considered for LV= County Championship cricket.
David Hussey and Samit Patel provide the most effective spin bowling options with Gurney, Fletcher and Shahzad set to face competition from Jake Ball and Paul Franks for the quick bowling spots.
Spinner Graeme White has been allowed to join Northants Steelbacks on loan for the first three matches of their Friends Life t20 campaign. White will still be eligible to represent Notts in their remaining group stage matches but will be ineligible should they progress to the knockout stages.
Friday's game against Leicestershire Foxes begins at 6pm at Trent Bridge.
Click here to purchase tickets for Notts Outlaws Friends Life t20 matches at Trent Bridge.
Notts Outlaws Friends Life t20 matches at Trent Bridge
Friday 28 June Vs Leicestershire Foxes - 6pm TICKETS
Friday 19 July Vs Durham Dynamos - 6pm TICKETS
Tuesday 23 July Vs Derbyshire Falcons - 6.30pm TICKETS
Friday 26 July Vs Yorkshire Vikings - 6pm TICKETS
Sunday 28 July Vs Lancashire Lightning - 2.40pm TICKETS
Buy In Advance & Save:
Adult tickets £13 / Under 16s and Over 65s £7 / Family ticket (2+2) £33
On the day prices:
Adult tickets £16 / Under 16s / Over 65s £16 / Family ticket (2+2) £40
Enjoy Friends Life t20 hospitality at Trent Bridge for £84 per person
Your package will include:
- Use of a private suite in the Radcliffe Road Stand with a balcony overlooking the field of play
- Nibbles served on arrival
- Hot main dish served in your suite 30 minutes before the start of play
- Cheese, biscuuits and chutney during the interval
- Match scorecard
- Box host
- Car Parking 1:4
Call 0844 8118712