Hampshire's Holland joins Leicestershire on loan

Leicestershire have signed experienced Hampshire all-rounder Ian Holland on loan for the rest of the 2024 season.

The 33-year-old Australia-raised United States international will be available for the Foxes in all three formats.

Holland, who has made two County Championship starts for Hampshire this season, is in line to make his debut in the home game against Glamorgan starting on Friday.

Holland played under Leicestershire head coach Alonso Thomas in his time with Hampshire, where he also played alongside three of his new team-mates - Scott Currie, who is on a season's loan, Tom Scriven and Matt Salisbury - and he played in Australia for Victoria alongside the Foxes' two overseas players, Peter Handscomb and Marcus Harris.

“We’re delighted to add someone of Ian’s experience," said Leicestershire director of cricket Claude Henderson. "He will be a huge asset to our changing room.

“Alfonso worked with Ian during his time at Hampshire and was very complimentary of both his skillset and his character."

Holland, who was used as opener by Hampshire for most of last season, has made 3,608 runs and taken 174 career wickets since his debut in 2016.

He was part of the Hampshire side beaten by Leicestershire at Trent Bridge in last season's One-Day Cup final, but took 18 wickets at an average of 18.83 in the 10-game competition.

"The opportunity to play with a young and upcoming squad appealed to me," said Holland.

"Chatting to Claude and Fonz before making the move, I can sense the journey that the club is on."

Resurgent Leicestershire, who challenged for promotion last summer as well as winning their first trophy in 12 years, lie third in Division Two, having drawn all their six Championship games so far.