Volts Confirm Stevens and Nash as Overseas Professionals for HRV Cup

Otago Cricket is pleased to announce the signing of two overseas professionals for the 2010- 11 HRV Cup Twenty20 Competition.

Last season the Volts had the services of Yasir Arafat and while happy with his contribution this seasons squad demanded a different skill set from potential overseas players. Otago Cricket were anxious to re-sign Dimitri Mascarenhas but unfortunately he has suffered a long term injury which rules him out of cricket till after Christmas.

In his stead we have secured the services of an English professional with similar skills to Mascarenhas.  Darren Stevens is a powerful striker of the ball and has the ability to bat anywhere in the order, he is also a more than useful medium pacer, who often opens the bowling for Kent.

Chris Nash has been a regular member of the Sussex side that has dominated the limited over’s versions of the county scene in recent years.  With Brendon McCullum playing for Sussex this season, Chris has come highly recommended as a middle order batsman and off spin bowler and will help fill the void when Nathan McCullum is away with the BLACKCAPS.

Both have had impressive Twenty20 seasons for their respective Counties, Nash scoring 299 runs at an average of 24.91 at a strike rate of 128.32 and taking 13 wickets at 17.39 with an economy rate of 6.84. Stevens managed 369 runs at an average of 41 with an impressive strike rate of 149.39 and also took 12 wickets at an average of a touch over 23.

With a number of Otago Volts players taking part in this seasons Twenty20 competition in England we have been able to gain up to date information on possible overseas options.  With the probability being the Volts will have key players coming and going on BLACKCAP duty, both Darren and Chris give us the flexibility of skill sets to add to and enhance the quality players that we already have in our squad.

Nash in good form 169 vs Northampshire September 9