Middlesex sign AB de Villiers for
Vitality Blast
AB de Villiers, one of
the most popular and exciting cricketers in the world, will play for Middlesex
in the 2019 Vitality Blast.
The South African
batsman is a second significant marquee signing for Head Coach Stuart Law,
following the announcement that Mujeeb Ur Rahman, the Afghan spinner, will join
his squad for the T20 campaign.
De Villiers, 35, will
join the Middlesex squad at the start of the tournament and be available to
play in the first seven rounds of the Blast and, if necessary, to return for
the latter stages of the tournament.
Variously known as Mr
360 and ABD, he has participated in every Indian Premier League since its
inception in 2008, scoring almost 4,000 runs at an average of just under 40.
His T20 batting with Virat Kohli for Royal Challengers Bangalore is legendary.
Since retiring from international cricket in May 2018, he has thrilled crowds
in the Mzansi SA T20 League, the Bangladesh Premier League and the Pakistan
Super League.
De Villiers said:“I have always wanted to play county cricket,
and I am very much looking forward to joining Middlesex for the Vitality Blast.
Playing at Lord’s is always a wonderful privilege, and I’m looking forward to
the match at Richmond, a beautiful ground in south-west London. That will be a
great experience.”
Law said: “It’s
exciting for all here at Middlesex to announce the arrival of AB de Villiers
for the T20 Blast this season.It’s a great opportunity for some of our
younger players to pick the brain of one of the best players to have graced the
game of cricket and for the support staff to work with him as well.
“I look forward to
working with AB this season and can’t wait to watch one of my favourite modern
day batsman up close and personal.”
Ends
