Viljoen admits he’d love county return

Kent cricket

South African paceman Hardus Viljoen says in an ideal world he’ll be back at Kent next season.

During a four-game stint at Canterbury in August and September the 27-year-old right-armer claimed 20 wickets in only 104 overs spread across six innings at an average of just 19.25 – leading the club averages.

Skipper Sam Northeast has gone on the record to say he’d like to extend the quick’s stay in 2017 and Viljoen admitted: “It’s been pretty good. I’ve enjoyed my stay and enjoyed the team environment. There is a good changing room vibe and a good family atmosphere. I’ve enjoyed it quite a lot.

“I didn’t expect anything less. We’ve had Kagiso Rabada here, I had a chat to him and he said it’s a pretty good club. Wherever I play, I’ll always give it my all.”

In his first game back in South Africa last week, Viljoen claimed match figures of 8-104 from 32 overs to help his Lions side see off Cape Cobras by 10 wickets at the Wanderers in Johannesburg.

Despite his success back home Viljoen admitted to a passion for the history of the game in the UK and said: “Cricket culture in England itself is quite remarkable. I feel honoured to be able to play in front of people. Looking into the future I’m really looking forward to coming back.”

He added: “It depends on what (Kent’s) decision is and if they want to keep me, but in an ideal world it would be good to come back, I’ve settled into the changing room pretty nicely.”

“Looking to the future, wherever I’m going to get a chance to play would be a great opportunity, for whoever that might be. We’ll cross that bridge when we get to it.

‘In an ideal world it would be good to come back, I’ve settled into the changing room’