Kleinveldt back for 2016 at Northants

Northamptonshire have confirmed the return of Rory Kleinveldt as their overseas signing for 2016. Kleinveldt was voted Players' Player of the Year after finishing the 2015 season with 79 wickets across the three formats.

Despite a precarious financial position, Northants have committed to bringing back Kleinveldt for another year. The 32-year-old has been capped 20 times by South Africa but his last appearance for them came in 2013, meaning he should available throughout the season, unlike many overseas players.

Last year he was Northants' leading wicket-taker in the Championship, with 57 at 27.14, while also contributing 391 runs. He took 15 T20 wickets and helped the club to NatWest Blast Finals Day, where they finished as runners-up.

"Rory will play an important role next season," head coach, David Ripley, said. "He is respected by the rest of the squad and helped push us over the line in a few games this year and was our leading wicket-taker. He was voted as our County Championship Player of the Year and Players' Player too, which shows just how popular he is in the changing room. We are looking forward to having him back."

Kleinveldt, who has been playing for Cape Cobras in the Ram Slam T20, said: "I'm really pleased to be heading back to Northampton next year. This summer was a great season for the club with some really exciting matches and we came so close on Finals Day. I'm hoping we can do one better in 2016."

Kleinveldt's signing comes a week after the announcement that allrounder Steven Crook has agreed a new three-year deal with the club.