Premier Cricket 2024-25: Arjun Nair signs with Camberwell Magpies

It’s a recruiting coup for the Camberwell Magpies, signing a Sydney Thunder and former NSW talent. Here’s how it happened.

Arjun Nair bowling for Sydney Thunder. AAP Image/Albert Perez

It’s a big tick for the Camberwell Magpies’ recruiting drive.

The Magpies have landed Sydney Thunder and former NSW all-rounder Arjun Nair, who crosses from Premier Cricket rival Footscray.

The 26-year-old off-spinner made five first-class appearances for NSW after debuting at 17, taking four wickets and another 20 scalps in 15 List A games. He’s also carved out 58 matches for Thunder in the Big Bash League.

Last season he took 12 wickets at 34.33 in 13 top-flight games for Footscray, with the right-hand batsman also peeling off 252 runs – including knocks of 74* and 77 against Melbourne and Essendon.

Camberwell Magpies president Mark Graven said a prior connection to the club helped secure Nair’s signature, having also been on its radar ahead of the 2023-24 campaign.

“We spoke to him last year as well – he had a connection with a guy on the committee,” Graven said.

“He came to us seeking opportunity, and with those sorts of credentials we’re always keen to look at that and it transpired from there.

“We certainly want to improve, and we think we are – when someone like that is available, you do what you can to get him into the group.”

Arjun Nair (right) at the crease for Thunder. Picture. Phil Hillayrd

The Magpies finished the season in 13th spot with five wins.

Coach David Alleyne recently declared the club was hunting the “icing on the cake” – with spin bowlers among the wishlist.

Graven said the club remained “proactive” in recruiting this off-season and was “optimistic” it could land more players.

He said at 26, Nair was a perfect fit for the emerging Magpies group.

“Arjun will add quality and he obviously has first-class experience … a guy who’s been in the first-class system nearly 10 years and he’s 26 – it’s pretty exciting,” Graven said.

“We’re rapt to have him.”