Proteas fast bowler Lonwabo Tsotsobe will play for the Dolphins next season, the Durban franchise confirmed on Friday.
The 28-year-old signed a one-year deal, in line with a Cricket South Africa policy that allows nationally contracted players to nominate a team of their choice for the forthcoming season.
He joins from the Eastern Cape-based Warriors where he had spent his entire career and where he was out of contract.
Tsotsobe has become a permanent fixture in South Africa’s one-day and Twenty20 teams since making his debut in early 2009.
“We’re obviously extremely excited to have him join us,” said Kwa-Zulu Natal Cricket Union (KZNCU) chief executive Jesse Chellan.
“He will bring strike power to our bowling department in all formats of the game.”
Tsotsobe has taken 58 wickets in 31 ODIs at an average of 20.05, while his 20-over record is equally impressive, with 10 wickets in 10 games at an average of 21.
The Port Elizabeth-born left-armer, who made his first-class debut in 2005, has also played five Tests for the Proteas, bagging nine wickets.
“We understand he won’t be available for large parts of the season because of his CSA commitments,” Chellan said.
“But his value is still immense and we expect his signing to help with the development of our younger bowlers.”
His arrival comes in the same week that the Dolphins announced the signing of Highveld Lions fast bowler Craig Alexander.
Promising middle-order batsman Jonathan Vandiar also joined the coastal team, but the former Proteas pairing of fast bowler Friedel de Wet and batsman Loots Bosman have left.
Another international, leg spinner Imran Tahir, could also leave the union after his contract came to a conclusion, with the Lions tipped as a likely destination.
There was still no confirmation, however, from the player himself or the Johannesburg-based union. – Sapa