Deon Kruis has signed a one-year contract to play for Yorkshire only days after the county said he had played his last game.
South African to stay at Yorkshire after all
Deon Kruis has signed a one-year contract to play for Yorkshire, the move coming only one week after the White Rose county announced he had played his last game.
The deal means that the 34-year-old South African pace bowler will return for a fifth successive season.
In a statement issued on Friday, the club said they had initially withheld a new contract after Kruis refused to commit himself.
However, after the player realised the gravity of the situation and asked them to reconsider, Yorkshire decided to retain his services for another year.
"Yorkshire felt that Deon had taken too long to make a decision regarding his future and were keen to resolve their bowling requirements - given the competitive nature of the market, coupled with the need to sign a seam bowler," the statement read.
"In conversations with Deon earlier this week, it became apparent that he very much regretted his delay in giving the club a decision and the fact this had led to the withdrawal of a new county contract.
"He approached the club requesting whether they would reconsider the position if he committed himself to Yorkshire for the 2009 season. The club were prepared to do this and were delighted to welcome Deon back for another season."
Delight
For his part, Kruis said was delighted with Yorkshire's decision.
"I have spent the last few nights worrying about where I would be playing my cricket in 2009," he said.
"I know the club were keen to make a decision and I understand their position in that they felt I had taken too long to make my mind up.
"I have spoken to them about this, and both (chief executive) Stewart Regan and (coach) Martyn Moxon have confirmed that they want me to be part of the squad.
"On that basis, I hope I can put the events of the last week behind me and join the squad next March to try to help the club win some silverware.
"I feel I still have a lot to offer - and I cannot wait to get stuck in once again."
