Hampshire have announced the signings of Australians Michael Neser and Jake Lehmann. Neser, who claimed his maiden Test five-for against England at the Gabba last week, will join for the first six rounds of the County Championship in April-May, while Lehmann has agreed a two-year contract as a locally registered player using his UK passport.
Neser, 35, had a previous stint with Hampshire in 2024, playing seven games in the Blast alongside one Championship appearance. He has also enjoyed success with Glamorgan, taking 80 first-class wickets at 23.00, as well as recording his highest score of 176 not out.
Lehmann, 33, the son of former Australia batter and coach, Darren, has never been capped but is a steady performer for South Australia in the Sheffield Shield. He was the competition's third-highest run-scorer as South Australia won the 2024-25 Shield, with 750 at 44.11, and is currently leading the way for his state in the current season down under.
Hampshire will be his third county, having played for Yorkshire (in 2016) and Lancashire (2019).
"I'm excited to join Hampshire on a two-year deal, it's great to return to county cricket," Lehmann said. "Hampshire has a fantastic history of Australian players and to follow in the footsteps of Shane Warne, Matthew Hayden and the like is really special.
"I look forward to joining up with the team at Utilita Bowl and hopefully contributing to the trophy cabinet."
Although Lehmann is likely to have to give up his status as a domestic player in Australia to qualify as a local in county cricket, states are allowed to play one overseas player in a Shield XI.
Hampshire narrowly avoided relegation on the final day of the 2025 County Championship, thanks to Durham's defeat to Yorkshire. They will go into the new season with Russell Domingo as head coach, with the South African taking over from long-serving Adi Birrell.
Giles White, Hampshire's director of cricket, said: "In Michael Neser and Jake Lehmann, we have two players who have the ability to make a significant impact. Michael brings valuable runs alongside his quality with the ball - he will partner Kyle Abbott as one of our overseas players.
"Jake is in outstanding form and is the leading run scorer in Shield cricket over the past 18 months. With a British passport, he is eligible to play as a locally qualified player, allowing flex in strengthening the squad.
"Both players possess a great attitude and bring quality and experience; it's a big boost as we look to finalise our plans ahead of 2026."
Gloucestershire bring in Australia A allrounder Scott
Another Australian heading to the UK in 2026 is allrounder Liam Scott, who has signed to play for Gloucestershire in the T20 Blast. Scott, 25, will also be available for two rounds of the County Championship in June.
Scott was a team-mate of Lehmann's in the South Australia side that won the 2024-25 Sheffield Shield. He has also played for Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash, and been capped for Australia A. Last week, he scored his maiden first-class hundred, an innings of 147 off 171 balls that helped set up a ten-wicket win.
Jon Lewis, Gloucestershire's director of cricket, said: "Liam is an exciting young allrounder from South Australia who plays for the Strikers in the Big Bash. He's a cricketer whose stock is on the rise and is highly regarded across Australia. We've done extensive research into the best young allrounders available, and adding a third overseas player with a different skillset will help balance our T20 squad throughout the tournament.
"We're really excited to welcome him over. We've heard so many positive things and look forward to seeing him join the group.
"Liam will also be available for two County Championship matches at the height of the summer. We've had a number of impressive Australian allrounders with the club in recent years, and we're confident Liam has the ability to be the next big overseas star for Gloucestershire."