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Leicestershire CCC is delighted to announce the signing of international batsman and wicket-keeper Niall O’Brien. O’Brien, who recently represented Ireland in the T20 World Cup alongside brother Kevin, joins Leicestershire on a three-year deal from Northamptonshire.
Commenting on his move, O’Brien said: “I’m very excited to be joining Leicestershire and teaming up with quality young players like Josh Cobb and Nathan Buck and assisting these young impressive cricketers reach their potential, and for Leicestershire to be competitive in all forms of the game. “I would like thank Northants and their supporters with whom I have a great relationship and would like to wish them the best for the upcoming season. All in all, I have plenty to offer and would like to contribute in a huge way at Grace Road.”

Chief Executive Mike Siddall said: “We are delighted that Niall is joining Leicestershire. With the untimely retirement of Will Jefferson the Club needed an experienced opening batsman and Niall fits the bill perfectly. “Niall is a top class international cricketer who will bring his personality and knowledge to the dressing room and we are really pleased he has chosen Leicestershire.”

O’Brien has scored 5,317 first-class runs at an average of 35.91 with a career-best score of 182. The left-hander made two half-centuries in the LV=CC draw against Leicestershire at Wantage Road as an opening batsman in 2012. The keeper has also claimed 331 dismissals and O’Brien has a List A tally of 3,081 runs at 28.79 and an impressive t20 record. The left-hander has racked up 1,477 runs and is vastly experienced given he has played 89 matches in the shortest form of the game. O’Brien’s strike rate is 112.39 and 20 of those appearances have been internationals for Ireland, including the recent World Cup in Sri Lanka.

O’Brien is Leicestershire’s fourth close season signing as he joins Robbie Williams, Ollie Freckingham and Angus Robson on the 2013 staff. Tom Wells has also signed his first professional deal while a number of other players, including Shiv Thakor, have signed new contracts at Grace Road.

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