Glamorgan have made their first – and probably last – pre-season signing by capturing South African pace bowler Marchant de Lange.
Head coach Robert Croft believes the former Test player, who is still only 26, can be a match-winner for the county.
De Lange has joined on a three-year non-overseas contract and becomes the latest in a rush of former South Africa internationals to move to county cricket – several waiving the right to play for their native country again after being signed on Kolpak arrangements.
In his case, non-overseas status in this country means he will be deemed to be an overseas signing should he want to return to South African domestic cricket.
Glamorgan chief executive and director of cricket Hugh Morris welcomed the arrival of the bowler, describing him as being “in the prime of his career”.
De Lange burst on to the international scene five years ago, as potentially one of the quickest bowlers in the world – but has not played for his country in any format for more than a year and has just two Test caps dating back to 2011/12.
He had to remodel his action following a stress fracture in 2012, and has since excelled in the shorter formats in South Africa and for franchise teams around the world.
Morris said: “We are delighted to have signed Marchant de Lange and to see him arrive in Wales today. Marchant is a top-quality fast bowler who is in the prime of his career and will add a real cutting-edge to our bowling attack.
“As we complete our preparations ahead of the new season, signing a player of Marchant’s ability is a great boost to our prospects for all forms of the game.”
Glamorgan coach Robert Croft added: “Marchant is a match-winner. He has pace, aggression – and he’s the right age and at the right stage of his career to make an impact for us. He will be a great addition to our squad.
“When you are looking at winning matches in four day cricket, twenty wickets is the challenge and Marchant is a wicket taker, but his performances in one-day cricket have also been impressive and he will be a great addition to our squad.”
De Lange will be available for selection for all formats for Glamorgan, including the opening Specsavers County Championship clash at Northampton.