Daryn Smit: Derbyshire sign South African batsman on two-year deal

Smit (left) has played alongside Kevin Pietersen for the Dolphins in South Africa

Derbyshire have signed experienced batsman Daryn Smit on a two-year deal until the end of the 2018 season.

The 33-year-old South African, who has represented the Proteas A side, has played Lancashire League cricket in England for the past three seasons and joins as a non-overseas player.

Smit has played 125 first-class matches, scoring 5,711 runs at an average of 37.32.

Director of cricket Kim Barnett said Smit was "vastly experienced".

"He has over 14 years as a professional and will strengthen the depth to our batting line-up," Barnett added.

Smit, who impressed during two Derbyshire Second XI appearances last season, has played for the Dolphins in his homeland for 14 seasons.

Smit added: "I've enjoyed my time with the Dolphins, and I'm extremely grateful for the opportunities they gave me.

"I'm delighted to join Derbyshire and get an opportunity to play county cricket."