LONDON — New Zealand all-rounder Jimmy Neesham is set to make his first red-ball appearance in three years after being named in Durham's squad for their County Championship match against Surrey. The 33-year-old, primarily known for his explosive white-ball performances, last played a first-class game in March 2021.
Neesham's inclusion marks a significant moment in his career, as he has largely focused on limited-overs cricket in recent years. His last red-ball outing was for New Zealand against Bangladesh in Wellington, where he scored 74 runs and took three wickets. Since then, he has become a T20 globetrotter, featuring in leagues like the IPL, BBL, and The Hundred.
A Return to First-Class Cricket
Durham's decision to include Neesham comes as they look to bolster their middle-order batting and seam-bowling options. Head coach Ryan Campbell emphasized the value of Neesham's experience, stating, "Jimmy brings a wealth of knowledge and versatility to our squad. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes him a valuable asset in the Championship format."
Neesham himself expressed excitement about the opportunity, tweeting: "Looking forward to getting back into the whites after a long time away. Always loved the challenge of red-ball cricket, and can't wait to contribute to Durham's campaign."
Why the Long Absence?
Neesham's three-year gap from first-class cricket can be attributed to several factors:
- New Zealand's packed international schedule, prioritizing limited-overs cricket
- Neesham's own focus on T20 franchise opportunities
- Limited red-ball opportunities domestically in New Zealand
- Recurring injury concerns that required careful workload management
What to Expect from Neesham
Cricket analysts suggest Neesham's game is well-suited to English conditions. His ability to swing the ball and play aggressively against seam bowling could prove crucial for Durham. Former England captain Michael Vaughan noted, "Neesham's a smart cricketer. He reads conditions well and adapts quickly—qualities that serve any player in county cricket."
Batting Potential
With a first-class average of 38.72, including nine centuries, Neesham has demonstrated his capability with the bat. His highest score of 179 came against India A in 2014, showcasing his ability to play long innings. Durham will likely slot him into the middle order, where his counter-attacking style could disrupt opposition bowling plans.
Bowling Contribution
Neesham's medium-fast bowling has earned him 98 first-class wickets at 32.18. While not express pace, his accuracy and ability to move the ball make him a useful option, particularly in English conditions where the Dukes ball tends to swing. Durham's bowling coach Alan Walker remarked, "Jimmy's bowling might surprise a few people. He's deceptively skiddy and has good control—exactly what you want in four-day cricket."
Surrey's Challenge Awaits
Neesham's return comes against a strong Surrey side packed with international talent. The match at The Oval will test his red-ball credentials against the likes of:
- Ollie Pope (England Test vice-captain)
- Dom Sibley (former England opener)
- Kemar Roach (West Indies fast bowler)
- Dan Worrall (Australian seamer with 400+ first-class wickets)
Durham captain Scott Borthwick acknowledged the challenge, saying, "Surrey away is one of the toughest fixtures in the calendar, but having someone of Jimmy's quality and experience gives us another dimension. We're excited to see what he can do."
Future Prospects
While Neesham remains committed to white-ball cricket, this stint could reignite his red-ball ambitions. With New Zealand's Test squad often seeking all-round options, a strong County Championship performance might put him back in the selector's thoughts. New Zealand coach Gary Stead recently stated, "We always keep an eye on our players' performances across all formats. Jimmy knows what's required at Test level, and if he's performing, he'll be considered like anyone else."
As cricket fans await Neesham's red-ball return, the match at The Oval promises to be a fascinating chapter in the all-rounder's career. Whether this marks a temporary diversion or the start of a longer first-class resurgence remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: after three years away, Jimmy Neesham is ready to embrace the challenge of red-ball cricket once again.