WEST Warrnambool expects English import Jack Sunderland back on Australian soil in mid-September after his visa was approved.
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The all-rounder is free to spend a third season in the Warrnambool and District Cricket Association after he was given the green light on Tuesday to return.
Sunderland's original request for his visa to be extended for a third year was initially denied.
His inclusion consolidates a strong recruiting drive for West Warrnambool which has welcomed Wesley-CBC's Ryan McArdle, Port Fairy's Tom Mahony, Hawkesdale's Fletcher Cozens and Allansford's Charlie Blacker.
West Warrnambool coach Alastair Templeton said the Panthers were thrilled Sunderland would be available for their 2019-20 campaign.
Sunderland won the WDCA best and fairest in his first season and took 8-29 in his most recent match for the Panthers.
"He got his visa knocked back initially and we just disputed it and we had to send another thing off and then it got ticked off," Templeton said.
Sunderland has returned to the United Kingdom and is playing cricket for his home club East Preston.
He is expected back in Warrnambool in mid-September in time for the start of the WDCA season in early October.
Templeton said the Panthers were happy with their new quartet, including promising teenager Cozens who has represented Victoria.
"Fletcher is looking further than Warrnambool in terms of how he'll go," he said.
"This is an opportunity to play on turf and develop and keep getting better."
West Warrnambool will start its pre-season on October 4.
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