New arrival Viljoen quick to make an impact

New signing Hardus Viljoen remained humble after claiming a five-wicket haul on his Kent debut at Bristol on Tuesday.

The 27-year-old (pictured) was drafted in for the final four games of the Specsavers County Championship season as Kent battle for the sole promotion place to Division 1.

Viljoen claimed the scalp of Alastair Cook on his Test debut against England in January and has taken 325 first-class wickets at an average of 26.66 and previously played alongside Kagiso Rabada who shone for Kent during an overseas stint earlier in the summer.

He said: “I was looking for a county cricket gig just to get some experience. Thanks to Kent for the opportunity to be able to play here.”

The 6ft 4in paceman took 5-55 from a 22 overs as Kent bowled Gloucestershire out for 211 on the opening day at Bristol.

He said: “It doesn’t matter what team you play for, as soon as you pull that jersey over your head, you give it your all.

“I was just lucky that I got the rewards – the other guys bowled well, credit to them for applying pressure from the other side. I was just lucky to get the wickets.”

Viljoen only landed in the UK on Saturday morning before a net session on Sunday and ‘a bit of a trundle on Monday’ but said Kent possess an ‘unbelievable dressing room’. He added: “The team spirit, the team vibe, it’s like walking into a family club environment. I couldn’t have asked for anything better.”

Viljoen follows the likes of countrymen Rabada, Makhaya Ntini and Ryan Mclaren in donning the Kent shirt and added: “Kent have got a few (South African) guys who have played here.

“The list goes on and on. Just to follow in those guys’ footsteps is a major thing for me.”