Charlie Shreck signs for Wellington

Charlie Shreck, the Nottinghamshire fast bowler, has signed for a full season with Wellington and is waiting for a work visa. Shreck will play both the one-day and four-day competitions for Wellington and will also appear for Hutt Districts at club level.

"We are looking forward to him arriving and hopefully the work visa is not a problem," Wellington coach Anthony Stuart told the Dominion Post. "I haven't seen a lot of him but the reviews are very good so he will help us immensely in the quick-bowling department."

Stuart said that it was necessary to sign Shreck to bolster the attack because James Franklin, Mark Gillespie and Iain O'Brien could receive national call-ups.

"We've got a couple of promising bowlers in Michael Burns and Kevin Forde but they are not ready to carry a first-class attack yet," Stuart said. "Charlie is, and I also believe he will bring those two young guys on a bit."

Shreck had previous experience of playing in New Zealand after spending three seasons with Hutt and making a few appearances for Wellington in 2005-06. Although injuries have been a major part of his career, Shreck was able to put in lengthy accurate spells and impressed Stephen Fleming, who captained Nottinghamshire this season. Shreck took 177 wickets at an average of 27.85 in 45 first-class matches.