Hardus Viljoen, the South Africa fast bowler, has signed as Kent’s overseas player, to strengthen their attack for the last four Championship matches of the season. Kent are currently third in Division Two and pushing for the single promotion spot on offer.
Viljoen, 27, made his only Test appearance to date against England in January, taking the wicket of Alastair Cook with his first ball. The bizhub Highveld Lions player has recently been in action for South Africa A, playing in Townsville against Australia A and Harare against Zimbabwe A.
“I’m delighted to join Kent and experience county cricket,” Viljoen said. “I’ve just played a tri-series for South Africa A so I feel in good shape after a few weeks off. I’m looking forward to representing Kent and I will give it my all as it’s always been a dream to play county cricket.”
Kent’s leading wicket-taker in the Championship this year is Mitch Claydon, while only Matt Coles and Will Gidman – who has played one game on loan from Nottinghamshire – average less than 30. Viljoen takes over from his compatriot Kagiso Rabada, who had a spell with Kent in July. Tom Latham, the New Zealand opener, began the season as their overseas player.
With next year’s Championship featuring an eight-ten split between Divisions One and Two, only one team will go up this year. Kent are currently 24 points behind leaders Essex and one point behind second-placed Leicestershire.
Kent’s chairman of cricket, Graham Johnson, said: “We’ve carried a lot of injuries in the seam bowling department this summer. With four important games left in the campaign we wanted to give ourselves the best chance to build on the work done to get us into the current position to challenge for that one promotion spot. The experience and spark that Hardus can bring will be important in the run in.”