Kyle Abbott could turn his back on international cricket

According to reports from Britain, South African fast bowler Kyle Abbott is all set to turn his back on international cricket in a bid to chase a lucrative contract offered by the English County system. Abbott who is currently playing a 3 match Test series against Sri Lanka at him is reportedly very close to signing a multi-year deal with county club Hampshire. He will play all formats for the County as a Kolpak player.

While the deal hasn’t been confirmed yet but as it stands, if the deal is eventually signed it will make Abbott ineligible to play for South Africa for the duration of the contract, although he would be able to play in the domestic T20 leagues around the world. According to the report from ESPN, the 30-year-old Abbott is in contention to sign a four years deal with Hampshire and can only revive his international career after his stint with the county club ends.

Abbott has struggled to cement his place in the national side ever since making his debut in 2013 but he has become an integral part of the side now due to long-term injuries to both Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel. He was one of the very best performers for the Proteas during their recent 2-1 series win in Australia taking 13 wickets in only two Tests at an astonishing average of 14.84.

If Abbott eventually signs the deal with Hampshire, he will become the most high-profile player from the string of his fellow countrymen to take up the county deals this year. Stiaan van Zyl, Simon Harmer, Hardus Viljoen and Colin Ackermann are the other South Africans to sign a deal with the English county.

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While Van Zyl played 12 Tests for South Africa and scored a century on his debut against the Caribbeans, off-spinner Simon Harmer played 5 Tests for his nation since making his debut in January 2016. Harmer has already signed a deal with Sussex last November.

Hardus Viljoen who appeared in a solitary Test for the Proteas has signed a three-year deal with Derbyshire and last but not the least Colin Ackermann who played in South African U-19 team has joined Leicestershire for a two-year deal.