Bexhill delight at signing coup

Ambitious Australian Josh McLean will be the club's overseas player for the 2006 Sussex Division Two season.

The 21-year-old wicket-keeper/batsman will become the first Bexhill player ever to possess second XI experience at Australian state level.

"We're absolutely delighted," said secretary Hamish Russell. "We've got a guy who's going to go on to big things. He will play proper first class cricket and he's got a great desire to go further than that. He's considered one of the top wicket-keepers in Australia and he's an absolute gun batsman. We've been hugely lucky."

Adelaide-based McLean, who is also a level two coach, has represented South Australia at under-19 level and currently plays for their second XI.

He also plays alongside Test bowler Jason Gillespie at district club Adelaide Buffaloes, for whom he bats above some current Somerset county cricketers at number three.

The deal was tied up on Tuesday, just a day after Chris Topp was officially appointed first team captain at the club's Annual General Meeting.

The spin bowler and middle-order batsman, who is currently playing A grade cricket in Australia, will have Ian Ellis as his vice-captain.

Martin Phillimore remains skipper of the second string and he will be assisted by Jeremy Wassell, while Nick Smith stays in charge of the third team with Pat Lewis as his deputy.

Bexhill, who finished sixth last season, will begin their Sussex Division Two campaign on Saturday April 30.