Kruis signs up for Headingley stint

Yorkshire have signed the South African Deon Kruis for the coming season. Kruis, 30, is a fast-medium bowler who has played for Griqualand West, Northern Transvaal and the Eagles in domestic cricket. He has signed under the Kolpak rule.

Kruis, who is also a handy lower-order batsman, has taken 252 wickets at 29.25 in first-class cricket, and 99 in senior one-day cricket. He has some experience of cricket in England: he played for Esher in the Surrey Championship in 2001.

He said: "I am delighted to be joining a county of Yorkshire's stature, and while its record of the last few years has not been what they would have wished, I feel I could play a part in restoring former glories - but I am encouraged to be helping the young Yorkshire talent that is emerging."

David Byas, Yorkshire's director of cricket, explained the signing: "Having lost a number of senior quick bowlers over the last couple of years we are delighted to have Deon aboard to give us experience and stability, and above all to provide help and guidance to our young seamers who are coming through."