Reiffel to fire for Notts

Australian fast bowler Paul Reiffel will be joining Nottinghamshire as overseas player for the remainder of the season to replace the injured Shoaib Akhtar.

The 34-year-old is due to join his new team-mates early next week and is expected to make his debut in the NatWest Trophy match against Middlesex at Lord¹s on June 21.

The experienced right arm seamer was a member of the Australian team that lifted the World Cup after beating Pakistan at Lord¹s last year but has since announced his retirement from international cricket.

He made his Test debut at Perth in the 1991-92 series against India and played 35 matches taking 104 wickets at an average of 26.96.

He is also a useful lower order batsman hitting 12 First Class 50s and has scored nearly a thousand Test runs at an average of 26.52.

Reiffel will be available for the remainder of the season and will move to Nottingham with his English wife, Janet, and their two young children Bailey, aged two, and nine-month-old Chelsea.

Reiffell said: "I am very excited about the opportunity to join Nottinghamshire. Playing for a club that has produced some great cricketers over the years will add yet another great personal experience to my career.

"The club¹s enthusiasm and professionalism during this week has been a great encouragement to me. I know I am joining an organisation with a strong cricket culture and I hope I can make a contribution to all the club¹s activities."

Notts Cricket Manager Clive Rice said: "I am delighted Paul has agreed to join us for the remainder of the season.

"He is a top quality international player who has played in a winning team most of his career and has the right attitude.

"In the winter he got 59 wickets at an average of 16 each and led Victoria to the Sheffield Shield Final.

"I believe he will contribute to the side in a lot of ways. He bowls straight and hits the seam, constantly asking questions of the batsman.

"We have been holding our own without an overseas player and I believe Paul can take those two or three wickets we need to make a difference.

"He is also more than competent with the bat and has captaincy experience that may be a help to skipper Jason Gallian with some ideas on the field. We look forward to welcoming him next week."