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Derbyshire sign SA allrounder Smit

Daryn Smit, the former Dolphins allrounder, has signed for Derbyshire on a two-year contract

Daryn Smit spent 14 seasons with Dolphins  •  BCCI

Daryn Smit spent 14 seasons with Dolphins  •  BCCI

Daryn Smit, the former Dolphins allrounder, has signed for Derbyshire on a two-year contract. Smit, 33, had decided to leave Dolphins at the end of the 2016-17 season in order to relocate to the UK and has previously played for Derbyshire 2nd XI and Lancashire club side Ramsbottom.
A batsman capable of keeping wicket and bowling legspin, Smit played in Durban for 14 seasons, during which time he represented South Africa A. However, he will qualify as a non-overseas player for Derbyshire.
In first-class cricket, he has scored 5711 runs at 37.32, to go with 106 wickets 32.49. He has played almost 200 times in the white-ball formats and in 2009 was part of South Africa's preliminary 30-man squad for the World T20.
"I'm delighted to join Derbyshire and get an opportunity to play county cricket," Smit said. "I've enjoyed my time with the Dolphins, and I'm extremely grateful for the opportunities they gave me, but I'm now looking forward to exciting new times in England with Derbyshire.
"I still have a lot to give, both on the field and also helping the younger guys in the dressing room, and I hope I can contribute to a successful period for the club."
Derbyshire have undergone significant restructuring during the off-season, after finishing bottom of the County Championship as well as failing to reach the knockout stages of either limited-overs competition. Kim Barnett was appointed director of cricket, while the club has signed Luis Reece, Gary Wilson, Hardus Viljoen, Imran Tahir and Jeevan Mendis for 2017.
Barnett said: "Daryn is a vastly experienced batsman, with over 14 years as a professional in the game, and will strengthen the depth to our batting line-up this season.
"He has played in England before and performed very well when given the chance with the Second XI at the end of last summer, impressing many at the club with his quality and professionalism towards his game."