Derbyshire has signed experienced South Africa batsman Daryn Smit on a two-year deal until the end of the 2018 season.
Smit, who qualifies as a non-overseas player, will be available for all formats, subject to successful completion of registration, and arrives after enjoying a successful 14 years with South Africa franchise, Hollywoodbets Dolphins.
The batsman, who has represented South Africa A and was selected for the Proteas’ 2009 T20 World Cup initial squad, has appeared in 125 first-class matches scoring 5,711 runs at an average of 37, including nine hundreds.
He has also featured in 107 List A games hitting 1,870 runs and 80 Twenty20 fixtures scoring 701 runs with a strike rate of 121.
The 33-year-old can also provide additional options with the ball, after taking 179 wickets with his leg-spin during his career, and behind the stumps, where he has claimed 473 catches.
Smit has experience in England after featuring for Ramsbottom CC in the Lancashire League for the last three seasons, scoring 2,935 runs at an average of 76. He also made two appearances for Derbyshire Second XI in 2016 when he hit an unbeaten 200 versus Glamorgan Second XI in August.
Director of Cricket, Kim Barnett said: “Daryn is a vastly experienced batsman, with over 14 years as a professional in the game, and will strengthen the depth to our batting line-up this season.
“He has played in England before and performed very well when given the chance with the Second XI at the end of last summer, impressing many at the Club with his quality and professionalism towards his game.
“He will now provide Billy with additional options this summer and, as a senior player, offer even more experience to the line-up.”
Smit added: “I’m delighted to join Derbyshire and get an opportunity to play county cricket.
“I’ve enjoyed my time with the Dolphins, and I’m extremely grateful for the opportunities they gave me, but I’m now looking forward to exciting new times in England with Derbyshire.
“I still have a lot to give, both on the field and also helping the younger guys in the dressing room, and I hope I can contribute to a successful period for the Club.”
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