McLean tipped to bowl for Somerset

LONDON – Former West Indies fast bowler Nixon McLean could be Somerset’s overseas signing for the upcoming English County first class season.

The club has confirmed that they are in discussions with the 31-year old pacer over replacing South African allrounder Albie Morkel, who is struggling with an ankle injury and might need to undergo surgery. {{more}}

“We’re talking to him,” Somerset chief executive Peter Anderson confirmed. McLean, who has not played for the West Indies since the World Cup in South Africa two years ago, also turned out for Somerset last season, grabbing 43 wickets at an average of 26.20.

He has also played first class cricket for Hampshire, for whom he took 62 wickets in 1998, as well as representing KwaZulu-Natal in the South African domestic championship.

A tall, strongly built player, McLean played in 19 Tests for the West Indies and took just 44 wickets while his 45 One Day Internationals brought him a modest 46 wickets.

The 23-year old Morkel meanwhile, a medium fast bowler and an explosive left hander who scored a century against the West Indies when they were last there, was set to join fellow South African Graeme Smith at Taunton next season.

However, his troublesome ankle is likely to rule him out.