Somerset sign Rossouw for duration of the Blast

SOMERSET have signed South Africa international Rilee Rossouw for this summer’s Vitality Blast campaign.

Subject to obtaining the correct visa, the 32-year-old will be available for the whole competition, including the knockout stages and Finals Day should Somerset get that far.

The powerful left-handed top order batsman has featured in 15 T20 internationals for the Proteas, with over 300 runs to his credit at a strike rate of 137.97. In total he has played 236 T20 matches in his career, scoring over 5,800 runs at a strike rate of 138.47 with a high score of 112 not out.

A well-renowned T20 player, Rossouw has played for some of the biggest franchises in the world, including IPL side Royal Challengers Bangalore and Melbourne Renegades in Australia. He has also played an integral role in the Multan Sultans’ route to this season’s Pakistan Super League final.

Rossouw said: “When the chance to play for Somerset came along, I was delighted to take up the challenge. I know that the team got to the final of the Blast last year, and hopefully I can help them go one better now.

“I have experience of playing in England and I made 156 at Taunton in a 50-over game a few seasons back. I remember how the members and supporters reacted to that even though I was playing for the opposition. That is something that I’ve never forgotten.”

Somerset director of cricket Andy Hurry is excited to have secured the services of such an explosive player.

He said: “I’m delighted that we have signed Rilee for this season’s Vitality Blast.

“Having looked at the strengths and the quality that we currently have within the T20 squad, as well as considering the global, domestic and international cricket concurrently being played during the Blast, including England Test and One-Day International fixtures, we felt that adding additional firepower to the batting unit would dovetail perfectly with the very strong group we have.”