Known for his versatility and skill with the bat, Derbyshire has signed experienced South Africa batsman Daryn Smit on a two-year deal.
The 33-year-old, who qualifies as a non-overseas player, joins the Club following a 14-year career with South Africa franchise, Hollywoodbets Dolphins.
The former-Dolphins Captain arrives at Derbyshire with a first-class career that includes 5,711 runs at an average of 37 and nine hundreds, with a top score of 156 not out.
He has also claimed 106 first-class wickets after, through force of circumstance, developing into a wrist spinner after initially starting his career as a wicketkeeper, where he claimed 473 catches behind the stumps. He will provide the Club with both additional options.
The batsman’s efforts for the Dolphins earned him a call up to represent South Africa A, while his impressive strike rate of 121 in Twenty20 action resulted in Smit being selected for the Proteas’ 2009 T20 World Cup initial squad.
He has also featured in 107 List A games hitting 1,870 runs and 80 Twenty20 fixtures scoring 701 runs, where he became renowned as a dangerous finisher with the bat
For the last three seasons, Smit has been playing in England, representing Ramsbottom CC in the Lancashire League – and he has been prolific with the bat scoring almost 3,000 runs during that time.
The top-order batsman helped his side to the Lancashire League title in 2016, while in 2015 he hit 1,271 runs at an average of 98.
His bowling exploits for Ramsbottom, however, are arguably even more impressive. The leg-spinner claimed 245 wickets in only 69 matches at an incredible average of just 7.85. It included 22 five-wicket hauls and best figures of 7-10.
Smit also made two appearances for Derbyshire Second XI after being invited to represent the county in their final fixtures of 2016. He continued his good form in England hitting an unbeaten 200 versus Glamorgan Second XI and impressing the Club’s staff.
He now begins an exciting new time with Derbyshire and he hopes to play his part in a successful period for the Club.
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