Coup as Abbott signs to bolster Warriors

Proteas seamer looks forward to new challenge in Eastern Cape

THE Warriors have pulled off an impressive coup by securing the services of Proteas seam bowler Kyle Abbott for next cricket season. Abbott, who joins the Eastern Cape franchise from the Dolphins, is the first new name to be released ahead of the 2016-17 season.

The 28-year-old yesterday formally nominated the Warriors as his franchise of choice for the next season.

As Abbott is a contracted Proteas player, Cricket South Africa will pick up his salary bill.

It is expected another name will be announced in the next few weeks.

It is known that Warriors coach Malibongwe Maketa is looking to acquire a batsman of some standing from outside of the region’s borders.

Abbott’s pedigree speaks for itself. For now he is representing Kings XI Punjab in the Indian Premier League.

But he has extensive experience with other major teams, the Chennai Super Kings and Somerset in England.

But the right-arm quick has also played more than 50 international matches for South Africa across all three formats and almost 300 matches throughout his career.

His addition to the Warriors team, when not on international duty, will bring a wealth of experience.

South Africa have a busy programme over the next year. They visit the Caribbean in June for an ODI series against the West Indies and Australia.

They then host New Zealand for two tests in August, Ireland for an ODI in September and Sri Lanka from December through February for matches across all three formats.

It is expected that Abbott will be considered for the majority of that programme.

Abbott was born and bred in Durban and made his first-class debut for KwaZulu-Natal in 2009.

He made his test debut in 2013 against Pakistan with stunning figures of seven wickets for 29 runs.

“I am looking forward to this new challenge and having the opportunity to play for the Warriors will take me out of my comfort zone. I also get to play alongside guys like Andrew Birch and Simon Harmer,” Abbott said.

Warriors chief executive Jesse Chellan was pleased to announce his first signing since arriving at the Eastern Cape franchise.

“I am extremely excited about Kyle joining the Warriors. He is a quality fast bowler and a great guy to have as part of our squad,” Chellan said.

“He will certainly add value both on and off the field, in helping grow our next generation of bowlers.”

Coach Maketa said: “One of our main goals is to produce Proteas players and to have Kyle come in will help us fast-track this process through his experience and the know how of what it takes to get there.

“I look forward to working with him and I am positive the other players will learn from having another national player in the change room.”

Speaking on Sunday, ahead of yesterday’s announcement, Maketa told The Herald: “We are going to wait for the squad announcement, because I have one more spot open and I’m working hard on trying to get an extra batter in as soon as possible.

“We are excited about the new faces coming in. There is some quality coming into the squad.”

Maketa believes his young squad, although not having the best of seasons, have picked up invaluable experience.

“Most guys have had enough games this season to know what they are about and some guys have gathered good experience,” he said.

“The guys have grown and it’s important that we carry on growing from the start next season.”

The Warriors begin their pre-season in September.