Anderson is Somerset's big hit for the Blast
Corey Anderson will join Somerset for the latter stages of the NatWest Blast after a busy schedule which includes a World Cup, IPL and Newe Zealand's tour of England
ESPNcricinfo staff
04-Mar-2015
Corey Anderson has already punished Sri Lanka with the bat in the World Cup • AFP
Somerset have signed New Zealand all rounder Corey Anderson for the second half of this season's NatWestT20 Blast competition.
Anderson, 24, a destructive left-handed batsman and left arm fast medium bowler, will join Somerset after New Zealand's tour of England. He has a busy schedule before then, following his part in the World Cup with a second season with Mumbai Indians in the IPL.
Anderson's reputation caught the attention of IPL early last year when he set a new record for the fastest one-day century, reaching it in just 36 balls against West Indies at Queenstown and followed up with two devastating innings against India in ODIs. His 44-ball 95 against Rajasthan Royals almost single-handedly took them into last season's play-offs.
He has not always lived up to that heady promise with the bat, averaging 19.41 in 52 T20 matches in his career so far, but he was also in punishing form in the World Cup against Sri Lanka, striking 75 off 46 balls in Christchurch last month. His bowling - he takes his wickets in the mid-30s - gives him an extra foil.
"I've always wanted to play domestic cricket in England so I am very pleased to have signed to play T20 cricket for Somerset," he said. "I look forward to continuing the strong link that there has always been between the county and players from New Zealand."
Matt Maynard, Somerset's director of cricket, said: "I am absolutely delighted that Corey is able to join us straight after the New Zealand tour to England concludes. He is a very talented all rounder and strikes the ball well, coming in lower in the order, which is vital in T20 cricket.
"We are very well served at the top of the order so he will add a bit of strength lower down as the competition goes along. Sohail Tanveer will play the first half of the T20 competition and Corey will be playing with us from Game 8 through to game 14 after which goes off with New Zealand on another tour.
"We are very excited to have such a talented player on board. He is a dynamic cricketer who will bring the crowds into the County Ground."