Hardus Viljoen says he’s excited to get the chance to lead the Derbyshire attack this summer and he hopes he can carry his good domestic form into the county season.
The 27-year-old, who has signed a three-year deal with Derbyshire, is currently representing Highveld Lions in South Africa where he has enjoyed a successful campaign to date.
The paceman was the leading wicket taker in the domestic Twenty20 competition, claiming 19 wickets at an average of 16 and best figures of 3-16. He is also currently the second leading wicket taker in the four-day competition, with 25 poles at an average of 30, with best innings figures of 6-75.
He is due to arrive at The 3aaa County Ground at the start of April and he hopes to carry his good domestic form, insisting that he has been bowling as quick as he has bowled in his career, in to the county season.
Speaking exclusively to derbyshireccc.com, Viljoen said: “I am very much looking forward to joining Derbyshire and being part of a new team. It’s a new fresh set up at the Club and I can’t wait to get started and hopefully play my part in a successful summer.
“I’m reasonably happy with my season in South Africa so far. I was the leading wicket taker in the Twenty20 competition and second leading wicket taker in the four-day competition, so I am very pleased with where I am at the moment.
“The experience I got from playing county cricket with Kent last year helped me a lot as well, so I’m looking to take that forward with Derbyshire this year and just bowling like I have been doing.”
He added: “I think that I have been bowling this season as fast as I have bowled in my career.
✅ 95mph fast bowler
✅ South Africa international
✅ 3-year deal at #DCCCHardus Viljoen will lead the attack in 2017. #P2bD pic.twitter.com/fXBn1p6oGM
— Derbyshire CCC (@DerbyshireCCC) December 28, 2016
“There is a fine line knowing when to bowl quick and knowing when to just take the pace off, but I think it’s down to the wicket that you play on and conditions.
“In South Africa, if you play down at the coast you’re not going to bowl at 100% of your capability because you’re not going to get the rewards for that, but if you’re playing in Victoria where there’s a lot of pace and bounce then you can let loose.
“I think that’s something we’ve actually done well to identify those situations and those conditions, and it something I can take forward into the county season this season.
“I’m excited to get the chance to lead the attack. It is something I thrive on and it is a massive honour and a privilege to be able to do so for Derbyshire.
“If you are a leader of an attack, you want to set an example and lead the way, while also helping the guys around you, and I hope I can do that.
“I’m really excited to get started and can’t wait to join up with the squad in April.”
Join Hardus at Derbyshire this summer. The Club has reduced its price and simplified its categories to offer one single Club Membership at only £139 if purchased before 1 February Early Bird deadline.
