Middlesex sign AB de Villiers for Vitality Blast

De Villiers has played 272 T20 matches in his career to date, accumulating 7,316 runs and hitting four centuries along the way

Middlesex have announced the signing of former South Africa superstar AB de Villiers for this year's Vitality Blast competition.

The Lord's-based club finished rock bottom of the South Group in 2018 - with just two wins from 14 matches - and will be hoping de Villiers can transform their fortunes.

De Villiers greeted the move, saying: "I have always wanted to play county cricket, and I am very much looking forward to joining Middlesex for the Vitality Blast. Playing at Lord’s is always a wonderful privilege, and I’m looking forward to the match at Richmond, a beautiful ground in south-west London. That will be a great experience."

The 35-year-old will be available for the first seven rounds of matches and, "if necessary", could return to feature in the latter stages of the competition.

MIDDLESEX SIGN AB DE VILLIERS 💥

We are thrilled to announce that @ABdeVilliers17 has signed for Middlesex to play in this year's @VitalityBlast! 🙌

We can't wait to see him in action this Summer! #ABsigns #TeamMiddlesex

Full story 👉https://t.co/fjuXXd1AMM pic.twitter.com/77nGkp0QxL

— Middlesex Cricket (@Middlesex_CCC) February 25, 2019

The innovative batsman is currently representing Lahore Qalandars in the Pakistan Super League, where he has scored 138 runs at 46.00, including one half-century.

De Villiers has played 272 T20 matches in his career to date, accumulating 7,316 runs and hitting four centuries along the way.

Stuart Law added: "It’s exciting for all here at Middlesex to announce the arrival of AB de Villiers for the T20 Blast this season. It’s a great opportunity for some of our younger players to pick the brain of one of the best players to have graced the game of cricket and for the support staff to work with him as well. 

"I look forward to working with AB this season and can’t wait to watch one of my favourite modern-day batsman up close and personal."