McLean set to join Somerset

Nixon McLean, the former West Indies fast bowler, has been tipped to join Somerset for the upcoming county season. McLean is likely to replace the South African allrounder, Albie Morkel, who is struggling with an ankle injury and might have to undergo surgery.

Peter Anderson, Somerset chief executive, confirmed to Caribbean Media Communication, "We're talking to him." McLean, who hasn't represented West Indies since the last World Cup in South Africa, is an experienced campaigner in the county circuit. He played for Somerset last season, capturing 43 wickets at 26 apiece, and represented Hampshire in the 1998. Apart from English county cricket he has also played for KwaZulu-Natal in the South African domestic championship.

Morkel was named in the South African one-day squad to play against Zimbabwe this Friday. He would replace Jacques Kallis, who was rested for the one-day series.

McLean has played in 19 Tests for the West Indies and has taken 44 wickets while his 45 one-dayers have produced just 46 wickets.