Middlesex snap up Abbott for T20 Blast

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Middlesex have signed South African paceman Kyle Abbott for the first half of this year’s NatWest T20 Blast campaign.

The 27-year-old is currently playing for the Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League, but will team up with Middlesex in time for their second T20 Blast match, against Kent Spitfires on 28 May.

He will then be available for the next six matches in the tournament before joining South Africa’s tour of Bangladesh at the end of June.

Abbott has played eight T20 internationals and played for Hampshire in last year’s T20 Blast competition, taking 1-33 against Middlesex.

He also played in four of South Africa’s eight games at this year’s World Cup, including a four-wicket haul against Ireland.

Middlesex’s director of cricket Angus Fraser said: “We believe, in Kyle, we have signed someone who will significantly strengthen our T20 side.

“He was exceptional during the recent World Cup, where he took nine wickets in four games at an average of 14 and conceded just over four runs per over. In a high-scoring tournament these were outstanding figures.

“Everybody at Middlesex is looking forward to working with Kyle and I am sure he will enjoy playing in front of big crowds at Lord’s.

“It is unfortunate we cannot have him for the entire tournament but we are not the only county to have these issues.

“With this in mind we are already speaking to people about Kyle’s replacement for the final six T20 Blast group matches.”

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