Andrew Balbirnie: Glamorgan sign Ireland captain

Andrew Balbirnie has played in Wales before for Cardiff MCCU

Glamorgan have signed Ireland captain Andrew Balbirnie for their T20 Blast campaign.

Balbirnie hit 113 to lead his country to victory over England in their most recent one-day international on 4 August.

The 29-year-old batsman has made 116 appearances for Ireland across three formats.

"I'm very pleased to see the deal go ahead," Dublin-born Balbirnie said.

"It's a fabulous competition, and having spent a few years in Cardiff during my university days, it's a city I know pretty well. I'm just looking forward to heading across and getting going with Glamorgan.

"It's not been a great season for playing much cricket, so to be able to go over and play a short, sharp tournament of intense cricket will be enjoyable and a good way to end the summer."

Glamorgan are missing all-rounder David Lloyd through injury, while batsman Colin Ingram is stuck in South Africa.

Balbirnie captained Cardiff MCCU, playing alongside England spinner Jack Leach and Glamorgan's Andrew Salter, before spending three seasons with Middlesex from 2014 to 2016.

He is one of several Irish players snapped up by UK counties for the Blast tournament, with many overseas stars unable to travel.

"With injury to David Lloyd and Colin Ingram's arrival looking unlikely due to travel restrictions, we wanted to add depth to our batting," said Glamorgan director of cricket Mark Wallace.

"Andrew is a fantastic player with a strong record in the one-day formats and was in great form during the recent series against England.

"He is also very used to playing in our conditions and will add a lot of experience and class at the top of the order."

Marnus Labuschagne, who was due to play for Glamorgan this season, is part of the Australian tour party to face England in September.

Counties are able to field two overseas players, if they can find suitable candidates who are able to travel and eligible for visas.

Glamorgan begin the T20 Blast on 27 August against Worcestershire Rapids in Cardiff.