Du Plessis in for T20 finale

Kent have sealed the signing of South Africa captain Faf du Plessis for the rest of this season’s T20 Blast campaign. The 35-year-old will make his debut in Spitfires’ clash with Gloucestershire today (Thursday). They were forced to enter Friday’s defeat to Surrey without an overseas representative following an injury to New Zealander Adam Milne and the departure of Afghanistan allrounder Mohammad Nabi.

The Proteas skipper is one of 30 men to have scored an IT20 century in their career, hitting 119 off just 56 balls against the West Indies in 2015.

Du Plessis said: “I really look forward to joining up with Kent for the last part of the Blast. I will do my best to contribute to the already successful team and hopefully help them to lift a trophy.

“I have played with some of the squad members in the past and look forward to joining up with all the guys.” Du Plessis averages 35.86 in IT20s with the bat and scored 100 in his most recent ODI against Australia during the ICC Cricket World Cup at Old Trafford.

South Africa’s Cricketer of the Year has also seen his leg-spin claim 50 domestic T20 wickets in 52 innings at an average of 18.34 and an economy rate of 6.96. Director of cricket Paul Downton said: “We’re really excited to be able to bring in a world class player such as Faf for the rest of the Blast. “He is a world-class batsman and, along with his leadership skills, he will be a major asset to our young side as we seek to progress.”