English county cricket has been given an early injection of overseas quality, with Nottinghamshire, Somerset and Lancashire all confirming key signings ahead of the 2026 season across white- and red-ball formats.
Nottinghamshire have secured the services of South African allrounder George Linde for the 2026 Vitality T20 Blast, while Daniel Sams will trade Trent Bridge for Taunton after agreeing a move to reigning champions Somerset. Elsewhere, Lancashire have strengthened their Championship attack by bringing in Australian seamer Mitchell Perry for the opening block of red-ball fixtures.
Linde, 34, will be available for the entirety of the Blast group stage and knockout rounds, scheduled between May and July under the competition’s streamlined new format. A seasoned campaigner on the global T20 circuit, the left-arm spinner has featured in leagues such as the SA20, MLC, CPL and PSL, and is no stranger to English conditions.
He previously represented Kent across the 2022 and 2023 Blast seasons, claiming 26 wickets in 27 matches, and spent last summer at Trent Bridge with Trent Rockets, helping them reach the final of the Hundred. His return to Nottingham now comes in Outlaws colours.
“It’s a great opportunity to play for Notts Outlaws and I’m very excited to be coming back to the Blast,” Linde said. “It’s a competition I really enjoy, and I’ll be looking to contribute with both bat and ball as we push for the knockout stages. Trent Bridge is a fantastic venue and I loved calling it home last year, so I’m thrilled to be back in a new role.”
Nottinghamshire head coach Peter Moores highlighted Linde’s versatility as a key attraction. “George gives us options at every stage of the innings and brings power with the bat as well as control with the ball,” he said. “He adds experience to our spin group and has a real hunger to make an impact in the Blast.”
Somerset, meanwhile, have pulled off a notable coup by signing Daniel Sams, who becomes their third county after stints with Essex and Nottinghamshire. The Australian allrounder was the Blast’s MVP in 2023 and endured heartbreak in the final that year, batting last as Essex fell short against Somerset.
Now, he joins the very side that denied him a title, with the aim of helping Somerset defend the crown they lifted in 2025, their second triumph in three seasons. Sams is expected to be available for the full campaign.
“Somerset are a top T20 side and I’m excited to be part of the group,” Sams said. “Hopefully I can help us retain the trophy. I know a few of the lads already and I’ll be giving everything I’ve got to help the team win in 2026.”
Director of cricket Andy Hurry praised Sams’ all-round credentials. “Daniel has proven his quality around the world and in English conditions,” he said. “He brings a rare combination of skill, power and adaptability that can turn games in our favour.”
In the red-ball arena, Lancashire have moved to bolster their seam attack by signing Australian quick Mitchell Perry for the opening six matches of the 2026 County Championship. The 25-year-old has impressed with Victoria and Australia A, taking 140 wickets at 29.32 in 49 first-class games, while also contributing useful lower-order runs.
“I’ve always wanted to experience county cricket and this is a huge opportunity,” Perry said. “Lancashire is a proud club with a strong squad, and I’m really looking forward to getting started at Emirates Old Trafford.”
Lancashire’s director of cricket performance, Mark Chilton, believes Perry is well suited to English conditions. “Australian seamers have made a big impact in county cricket in recent years, and Mitch comes highly recommended,” he said. “He strengthens our bowling depth and adds valuable runs lower down the order.”
With experienced internationals arriving across formats, counties are clearly laying early foundations for a competitive and high-quality 2026 season.
