NETHERFIELD have signed a new professional in Brady Barends, a 22-year-old South African, who plays for KwaZulu Natal.

Barends is a quick opening bowler tipped by ex-Netherfield and Durham star Dale Benkinstein to play for South Africa within the next three years.

In his last match he took 4 for 27 and currently has 47 first-class wickets at an average of 24.82 runs.

He bats down the order for his state team but is expected to bat middle order for Netherfield.

Netherfield secretary Ian Heath said: “Having lost Ryan Wilson to a shoulder injury that has probably finished his career and Scott Clement at the start of last season, it was felt that we needed much more of a bowling pro this coming season.”

Another newcomer will be Marc Brown, who has confirmed that he will be joining the Parkside Road club from Carlisle on his return from Australia, where he is playing in Melbourne with Netherfield’s Alex Atkinson and Ollie Hill.

Brown has played for Cumberland last season and is view as either opening or in the middle order.

Leaving the club is Shane Hyland, who has left to return to Kendal as wicket keeper, while Tom Barton has said that due to business and family committments he will only be able to help out occasionally.

Graham Baker is out for a long time following a cruciate ligament injury sustained playing football.

However, Wasif Zaman has returned and a few other new players are training and it is hoped that they will be joining to compete for first and second- team places.