Abbott, Rossouw leave country for England county

Johannesburg, Jan 5 : South Africa's left-handed top order batsman Rilee Rossouw and pacer Kyle Abbot's dreams of representing the tiol side are virtually over as the duo on Thursday signed long-term contracts with England's domestic cricket side Hampshire.

Abbott has joined the county on a four-year Kolpak deal after talks with Cricket South Africa (CSA) failed to convince the fast bowler to continue playing for his country.

Rossouw also joined the county as a Kolpak-registered player on a three-year contract.

Under the Kolpak deal, a player gives up the right to play for his country, meaning he is not classed as an overseas-player signing.

The Kolpak ruling ensures players from any tion with a trading relationship with the European Union can freely play as a professiol.

Commenting on the development, Abbott said he was delighted to join the club and is confident of giving a much more improved performance in coming seasons.

"I am delighted to be joining Hampshire for the 2017 season onwards. I have an extremely strong affection with the Club given my previous stints there and can't wait to get the ball in my hand at the start of the season," Abbott was quoted as saying by SuperSport.com.

Thanking CSA for the opportunities, the 29-year-old said: "I would also like to express my thanks to Cricket South Africa and the Warriors for their understanding during this process."

"Making the decision to commit my long term future to Hampshire was undoubtedly the most difficult one I have ever had to make and I leave with more than a little sadness knowing that I won't represent the Proteas again."

"Representing my country was undoubtedly the biggest honour in my career and I am very thankful for the opportunity to have represented South Africa and the Proteas," he added. IANS