'Outstanding' Fergus O'Neill ends short county cricket stint on top of wicket-takers list

Australian young gun Fergus O'Neill has left his mark on the county cricket scene, becoming the leading wicket-taker in the country over a four-match stint with Nottinghamshire.

O'Neill claimed 21 wickets, with career-best figures of 5-19 against Warwickshire.

In his final match against Sussex, O'Neill took 3-74 in the final innings, which included a one-handed screamer off his own bowling to dismiss Tom Haines. Notts won the match by nine wickets.

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Fellow Australian Daniel Hughes featured for Sussex, scoring 12 and 25. Hughes is sixth on the County Division One run-scorers list with 340 at 48.57.

O'Neill's time at Notts ends due to his short-term visa and captain Haseeb Hameed was full of praise for his contribution.

"Fergie's been outstanding, can't speak highly enough of him," said Nottinghamshire captain Haseeb Hameed.

"For a 24-year-old to come in for his first stint as an overseas player 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, which I think speaks a lot about him as a character.

"You just had to watch him field yesterday, never mind bowl the 20-odd overs as he did, he's got a massive heart clearly.

"He's fit in really well. Hopefully, we can build a few more memories together in the future."

O'Neill now has 133 first class wickets to his name at 20.03. The fast bowler took 38 wickets in the Sheffield Shield last season.