Hardus Viljoen says former teammate Imran Tahir can bring the ‘x-factor’ to Derbyshire this summer, as the fast bowler looks forward to his first season with the Club.
Viljoen and Tahir have been friends and teammates for many years, since playing amateur cricket together and then going on to both represent Highveld Lions in South Africa from 2012 to 2014.
They will reunite again with Derbyshire this summer, after Viljoen signed a three-year deal with the Club and Tahir has joined as overseas player for the second half of the season.
Sri Lanka international spinner Jeevan Mendis, meanwhile, will be the Club’s overseas player for the first half of the campaign.
Viljoen believes fellow South Africa international Tahir will be a massive asset to the Club and he looks forward to playing with him once again.
Speaking exclusively to derbyshireccc.com, the 27-year-old said: “I’m definitely looking forward to playing with Imran again. I think in the start of my career, maybe in my second year, we played together for an amateur cricket side – so we have come a long way.
“We have been roommates, we understand each other pretty well and we get along very well, so I am very excited to take the field with Imran.
“He is a massive asset to the Club and I really believe that he can bring that x-factor to the side.”
The fast bowler enjoyed a successful stint in county cricket with Kent last year and he believes that experience can help him this summer.
He added: “I really enjoyed playing county cricket last summer. We are not used to a ball that swings for 50 to 60 overs here in South Africa, so any extras you can out the bounce of the ball is a bonus.
“Also playing against other international players or ex-international players is a good way to test yourself and to showcase what you have got and are capable of doing.
He concluded: “I think the aim for any player is to play all the formats of the game and it’s always a bonus when you can play all season without any injuries or niggles. For me, that’s my mine aim is to play every single game.
“If I put in the performances and earn my spot to play every single game, then why not.
“For me, it’s about calmness. I think if you enjoy your cricket everything else looks after itself. I don’t put too much pressure on myself. We always say, when you enjoy your cricket you play your best.
“I hope I can share some of my past experiences, what I have learnt from other players, and share that with the younger guys and help get them to perform at the level they would like to perform at.”
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.
