The Victoria quick claimed 21 wickets in four matches to back up a successful home season

AAP and ESPNcricinfo staff28-Apr-2025

Fergus O’Neill enjoyed regular success during his brief county stint•Getty Images

Nottinghamshire have bid a fond farewell to their short-term Australian signing Fergus O’Neill, who departed after his four-match stint as the leading wicket-taker in the country.O’Neill, the Victoria quick, took his bow with 3 for 74 in the second innings against Sussex, taking his season’s tally to 21 and helping them to a nine-wicket win that puts them top of the first division. In the previous round he took a career-best 5 for 19 against Warwickshire.Related

Farhan Ahmed – a generational talent keeping it real for Notts

Nottinghamshire go clear at the top as Duckett, Hameed make quick work of Sussex

“Fergie’s been outstanding, can’t talk too highly of him,” said Nottinghamshire captain Haseeb Hameed.”For a 24-year-old to come in for his first overseas stint and do what he’s done is outstanding, and the biggest thing I can say about him is that he became a leader in the group very quickly.”You just had to watch him field yesterday, let along the 20-odd overs he bowled, to see he’s got a massive heart.”O’Neill was only eligible for a short-term visa so his stint had to end after four rounds. Evidently, Nottinghamshire want him to return. “Hopefully, we can build a few more memories together in the future,” Hameed said.His impressive haul for Nottinghamshire followed a Sheffield Shield return of 38 at 21.07 which saw him named the competition’s player of the year. He also represented Australia A earlier in the season where he took five wickets in Mackay.O’Neill now has 133 first-class wickets at 20.03. During his time with Nottinghamshire he also showed his batting potential with a half-century against Warwickshire.