Pakistan ace signs a deal with Bagnall Norton for new season
BAGNALL Norton have swapped one international cricketer for another to fill their overseas slot this season.
The North Staffs and South Cheshire League Premier Division club were due to welcome Namibia all-rounder Christi Viljoen into their squad this summer.
But the South Africa-born star has travel issues - due to the coronavirus pandemic - surrounding his journey from New Zealand where he plays first-class cricket for Otago.
That means he is unable to fulfil his commitments in North Staffordshire this year, which has left Bagnall Norton scouring for another overseas player.
They have now agreed a deal with Pakistan paceman Bilawal Bhatti, who will spearhead the attack in their second season in the Premier Division.
Bhatti is well versed in life in the NSSCL after spending four seasons with Hem Heath.
He was due to make it five last summer, but Covid restrictions prevented him from featuring in the league.
He has played two Tests, 10 one-dayers and nine T20s for his country, had his most productive spell with the ball at Hem Heath in 2019.
He captured 48 wickets, including four five-fors - and his most devastating performance came against Premier Division runners-up Meakins.
Bhatti, aged 29, picked up 9-31 to rout the hosts for 70, although Hem Heath made heavy weather of the chase before finally winning by two wickets.
Viljoen’s proposed arrival was seen as a key signing by Bagnall Norton.
Viljoen is no stranger to the NSSCL having previously had a two-season stint with Burslem in 2016 and 2017.
He was supposed to figure for Blythe last summer, but the shortened campaign because of the coronavirus pandemic saw overseas players unable to take part in the competition.
And Premier Division Bagnall Norton have now made their move to strengthen their resources by signing the 33-year-old.
Viljoen certainly made his mark with Burslem, scoring 1,250 runs and taking 117 wickets with his seam.
He has played two one-day internationals and 12 T20s for Namibia, as well as boasting a wealth of experience in the professional game.
Viljoen has been playing for Otago, where his team-mates include New Zealand international Hamish Rutherford.
In total, Viljoen has figured in 80 firstclass, 89 List A and 76 Twenty20 matches in his domestic career.
However, it is now Bhatti who is likely to share the new ball with evergreen seamer Greg Willott. Their contribution will be key as Bagnall Norton attempt to cement their place in the top division.
They made their Premier bow last summer- after securing three successive promotions - finishing bottom of the table with two wins from a shortened season.
There was no relegation in place last year, though, due to the coronavirus pandemic denting the campaign, which means they will be at the top table once again in 2021.
Justin Mould skippers the side again and their squad options have been enhanced by the recruitment of Freddie Doorbar and Joe Bridgewater from Longton and Whitmore respectively.
Bagnall Norton start their Premier Division season on Saturday, April 24 with a trip to play Leek.
There is a new format in the NSSCL this year with half of the games being played on a straight win/lose basis, while the remainder will feature the traditional draw.