Leicestershire County Cricket Club are pleased to announce that former Somerset wicket-keeper Neil Burns has agreed to join Leicestershire for the 2000 season.

Jack Birkenshaw commented:

"I worked with Neil at Somerset and I rate Neil as one of the best wicket-keeper batsmen in the country. With the departure of Paul Nixon I wanted to sign an experienced keeper to gain the maximum benefit from the arrival of Anil Kumble at Grace Road and I am delighted that we have managed to sign Neil.

Neil averages 30 with the bat in First Class cricket and has made 4 First Class centuries with a highest score of 166 for Somerset versus Gloucestershire at Taunton.

The keeping position is a key role in any team and Neil is an excellent reader of the game and motivator as well as a top class keeper."

Neil Burns commented:

"I am delighted to have been offered the opportunity of working with Jack Birkenshaw again. Leicestershire are one of the most successful sides in the country and the opportunity of keeping to Anil Kumble is a challenge which I shall relish."