Notts sign Australian fast-bowling all-rounder O'Neill

Fast-bowling all-rounder Fergus O'Neill will play for Nottinghamshire for the first month of next year's County Championship.

The Australian was named as Victoria's player of the season after taking 40 Sheffield Shield wickets at an average of 17.25 last term, a haul that included five wickets in each innings in the victory over South Australia.

His performances saw him named the Bradman Young Cricketer of the Year at the Australian Cricket Awards.

The 23-year-old also has a top score of 70 not out with the bat and is averaging 22 in the ongoing Sheffield Shield season.

Notts head coach Peter Moores said the club is hoping the short-term deal will become a more permanent relationship.

"It looks like he's improving all the time and I think his style of bowling will work well in the early season conditions in England," said Moores.

"His strengths are his consistency and lateral movement, which are ideal skills to complement the rest of our bowling unit.

"He is more than capable with the bat, too, and will bolster our lower middle-order, from which runs are crucial - especially early in the season."

Moores added that O'Neill, who will be available for home games against Durham, Essex and Sussex and the trip to Warwickshire, will provide cover for Dane Paterson, who will miss the start of season because of international commitments with South Africa.