Warwickshire complete overseas signing to fill Tim Bresnan void

County Champions Warwickshire have completed the signing of bowling all-rounder Nathan McAndrew ahead of their forthcoming title defence.

The Bears kick off the new season at Edgbaston next week when they host Surrey, and although right arm quick McAndrew won’t be available for the season opener, he will be involved when they take on Essex in their second four-day fixture.

McAndrew, 28, is from Wollongong in New South Wales though he recently moved to South Australia to pursue his ambition to branch out into red ball cricket and play in the Sheffield Shield. He is currently the league’s second highest wicket taker with 27, while he has hit 227 runs, including 65* on debut.

McAndrew will be available for ten County Championship matches in all, while he is also able to fill in for either captain Carlos Brathwaite or Paul Stirling, the Bears’ T20 Blast overseas players, at any point in the competition once that gets underway in May.

The Bears, who have the likes of Henry Brookes, Olly Stone and Oliver Hannon-Dalby back from injury, have further boosted their bowling attack with the signing of McAndrew, after Tim Bresnan announced his retirement in the winter following his contribution to the trophy double last season.

“We’ve looked closely at Nathan over the Australian summer and believe that he could thrive in English conditions,” said Warwickshire Director of Cricket Paul Farbrace. “He’s had a good first season with South Australia and he recognises that platform that playing county cricket can give him in getting recognised by the Australian selectors.

“With the retirement of Tim Bresnan earlier this year, securing a strong bowling all-rounder in Nathan is exactly what we need to help balance our attack and we’re looking