Glamorgan sign South African Marchant de Lange ahead of new County Championship season
Tuesday 4 April 2017 16:59, UK
Glamorgan have confirmed the signing of South African fast bowler Marchant de Lange on a three-year non-overseas contract.
De Lange has become the latest in a series of former South Africa internationals to move to county cricket.
Several, including Kyle Abbott and Rilee Rossouw at Hampshire, have waived the right to play for South Africa following the signings on Kolpak arrangements.
In his case, non-overseas status in this country means he will be deemed as an overseas signing should he want to return to South Africa domestic cricket in the future.
Glamorgan chief executive and director of cricket Hugh Morris welcomed the arrival of the 26-year-old, describing him as being "in the prime of his career".
"We are delighted to have signed Marchant de Lange and to see him arrive in Wales today," said Morris, the former England and Wales Cricket Board chief executive.
"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."
The South African bowler came to the attention of many on 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 over a year, and has a mere two Test caps dating back to 2011/12.
Following a stress fracture in 2012, he had to remodel his action, and has since excelled in the shorter formats in South Africa and for franchise teams around the world.
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."
