Date of birth – 12 November 1985 Queensland, Australia
Nottinghamshire First Class Debut – 29 May 2011 v Worcestershire (a)
Despite his obvious disappointment at not getting the extra run, Riki Wessels’ innings of 199 at Hove last season was amongst the most stylish ever scored by a Nottinghamshire player.
Riki’s career-best score – and third first class century of the season - helped his side to a rare victory on the south coast and confirmed the belief that the wicket-keeper / batsman has become a very useful addition to the Trent Bridge ranks.
Son of Kepler Wessels, the former Test batsman who appeared for both Australia and South Africa, Riki’s first spell in county cricket was with Northamptonshire where he played from 2005-2009.
His versatility as a top order batsman with the ability to back-up Chris Read with the gloves, if needed, obviously appealed to the Notts’ coaching staff when the opportunity came to sign him two years ago.
Riki showed he had a further string to his bow when he was given a first bowl by Nottinghamshire in the return against Sussex last year and he responded by having Luke Wells caught and bowled for a maiden championship wicket.
A powerful and stylish hitter in white ball cricket, Riki’s solid contributions with Notts didn’t go unnoticed and he was purchased to play for Khulna Royal Bengals in the Bangladesh Premier League earlier this year.
Riki will have a key role to play in all three formats if Nottinghamshire are to challenge for silverware in 2013.