Daryn Smit joins Derbyshire on a two-year deal
Tuesday 14 March 2017 08:29, UK
Derbyshire have completed the signing of South Africa batsman Daryn Smit on a two-year deal.
Smit, who qualifies as a non-overseas player, will be available for all formats and joins Derbyshire following 14 years at South Africa franchise Hollywoodbets Dolphins.
The 33-year-old has appeared in 125 first-class matches scoring 5,711 runs at an average of 37, including nine hundreds.
Smit featured twice for Derbyshire's second XI in 2016 when he hit an unbeaten 200 against Glamorgan's second XI.
"I'm delighted to join Derbyshire and get an opportunity to play county cricket," Smit said.
"I've enjoyed my time with the Dolphins, and I'm extremely grateful for the opportunities they gave me, but I'm now looking forward to exciting new times in England with Derbyshire.
"I still have a lot to give, both on the field and also helping the younger guys in the dressing room, and I hope I can contribute to a successful period for the club."
Smit can also provide additional options with the ball, after taking 179 wickets with his leg-spin during his career, and behind the stumps, where he has claimed 473 catches.
He has also featured for Ramsbottom CC in the Lancashire League for the last three seasons, scoring 2,935 runs at an average of 76.
Director of Cricket, Kim Barnett added: "Daryn is a vastly experienced batsman, with over 14 years as a professional in the game, and will strengthen the depth to our batting line-up this season.
"He has played in England before and performed very well when given the chance with the Second XI at the end of last summer, impressing many at the club with his quality and professionalism towards his game.
"He will now provide Billy with additional options this summer and, as a senior player, offer even more experience to the line-up."
