Notts sign South African Verreynne for season climax

Kyle Verreynne played for Pretoria Capitals in this winter's South African domestic T20

Nottinghamshire have signed South Africa wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne on a short-term contract for their red-ball run-in.

Relegation-threatened Notts sit eighth in County Championship Division One, just a point clear of trouble.

Verreynne, 27, who has hit one century in 18 Test appearances for his country, is now scheduled to play in three of their last four matches, starting with Thursday's visit of leaders Surrey to Trent Bridge.

He averages 48.91 in first-class cricket, having hit nine centuries and 32 fifties in 124 first-class innings.

Verreynne heads for Notts on the back of South Africa’s 1-0 victory in their two-Test series in the West Indies, hitting a match-winning, second-innings 59 in the 40-run win in Guyana.

Compatriot Dane Paterson was also in the South Africa squad but the Notts paceman will miss the Surrey game as he is on paternity leave - and will not return until the visit to Essex, starting on 9 September.

Notts then have two more games, both against fellow relegation battlers - away to Kent (17-20 September) and then at home to Warwickshire (26-29 September).

“It’s great to add someone of Kyle’s experience and quality with the bat to our squad at what is a crucial point in the season,” said Notts head coach Peter Moores. “His record speaks for itself.

"With him arriving off the back of a Test series, we'll benefit from a player who is match ready in many aspects.

“I'm sure Kyle will welcome having that familiar face in the dressing room when Dane returns.

“Of course, we're delighted to hear Dane’s news, and we're looking forward to welcoming him back to the squad ahead of the Essex game to bolster our bowling options.”