Wessels signs for Nottinghamshire

Nottinghamshire have signed former Northamptonshire wicketkeeper Riki Wessels as backup for captain Chris Read, subject to final clearance from the ECB.

Mick Newell, the Nottinghamshire coach, had chased Wessels through the off-season and is delighted to have agreed a two-year deal. Newell was with the England Lions coaching set-up in the West Indies last month and says Wessels is ready to step his game up a level after showing promise at Northamptonshire.

"Riki was very young when he broke into the Northamptonshire side and showed great promise which I think he's ready to deliver on," said Newell. "He'll provide backup for Chris as a wicketkeeper but beyond that he's a one-day batting option and he'll be keen to break into the team on merit."

The son of Kepler Wessels, the former South African captain, Riki attracted interest from several counties last season but opted to return to Africa to secure the visa that has enabled him to return.

"Paul Franks was my team-mate at Midwest Rhinos in Zimbabwe this winter and we became good friends even before it became clear that I'd be moving to Notts," said Wessels who scored 887 first class runs for Northamptonshire in 2009.

"I want to play as much as I can and I know that I will need to push hard to force my way into the Nottinghamshire team, especially in four day cricket."