Kent sign Faf du Plessis for climax of T20 Blast

The South Africa captains joins the final two group matches and the knock-out phase, if the Spitfires make it

South Africa captain Faf du Plessis has joined Kent for the remainder of the T20 Blast.

The 35-year-old is available for the final two South Division matches against Gloucestershire and Essex.

A win in either of those matches will secure the Spitfires a place in the knock-out stage, which Du Plessis will remain at Canterbury for.

Injury to New Zealand's Adam Milne and the exit of Afghanistan's Mohammad Nabi means Kent lost to Surrey last Friday without an overseas player.

Du Plessis has been The Proteas skipper across all three formats since 2017 but has entered the twilight of his international career.

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His decision to skip the three-match T20 series against India next month was due to his participation in the inaugural Euro T20 Slam, which has since been cancelled, leaving him free for the Blast.

“I really look forward to joining up with Kent for the last part of the Vitality Blast," the veteran, who averages 29.18 in domestic T20s.

"I will do my best to contribute to the already successful team and hopefully help them to lift a trophy. I have played with some of the squad members in the past and look forward to joining up with all the guys again.”

Director of cricket Paul Downton added: “We’re really excited to be able to bring in a world-class player such as Faf for the rest of the Vitality Blast.

"He is a world-class batsman and, along with his leadership skills, he will be a major asset to our young side, as we seek to progress to the quarter-finals and beyond in this year’s competition.”

Courtesy of the ECB Reporters Network.

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