Nottinghamshire concluded their hunt for a match ready seam bowler by signing Ben Phillips from Somerset on a two year contract in November 2010.

The 36 year old took 29 wickets in 11 LV= County Championship appearances for Somerset last season and has also played for Kent and Northamptonshire in a first class career that has already spanned 15 seasons.

“Mick didn’t have to sell the club to me at all because I’m well aware that there are a lot of quality players here and that conditions at Trent Bridge will help my bowling,” said Phillips.

“I wasn’t actively looking for a move but it was made clear that my opportunities might be limited given the signings that Somerset had made and I jumped at the chance to join Nottinghamshire.

“I’m delighted to be joining a team that will be in the hunt for trophies and I see this move as a perfect opportunity for me.”

Phillips is well acquainted with several of his new teammates having played with Graeme Swann and Graeme White at Northants and spent time with David Hussey, Darren Pattinson and Paul Franks in Melbourne last winter.

A self-styled old-fashioned county cricketer, his experience, stature and consistency were attractive qualities during Mick Newell’s hunt for fresh blood.

“Ben has a solid reputation in county cricket and he can play a big part for us next season,” said Newell.

“It was very important that we recruited a bowler who can come into the side and bowl long spells witch accuracy and control and Ben is capable of doing that.”