Keshav Maharaj re-joins Yorkshire as overseas player for start of County Championship

The South Africa spinner played five Division One matches last term and is back at Headingley for the short spell for the beginning of the 2020 campaign

Yorkshire have confirmed the return of Keshav Maharaj on a short-term for the start of the 2020 season.

The 29-year-old is available for the first two County Championship matches of next term against Gloucestershire and champions Essex.

Maharaj will then return to South Africa and be replaced by a second overseas player, who will be announced shortly.

In five red-ball outings for the White Rose last season Maharaj took 38 wickets at 18.92 and scored 239 runs.

He also figured in a quintet of T20 Blast matches, taking two wickets.

“I had a good relationship with the players and staff and really enjoyed my time this year," said Maharaj, who is part of the South Africa squad due to face England this winter.

COUNTY HUB

"I’m very grateful to be given the opportunity to come back and play for Yorkshire again.

“I surprised myself with the numbers that I put up with ball and bat so I’m just happy to have been able to contribute in the way I did. Hopefully, in the two games that I have signed for I can make a similar impact and help start the season well.”

Director of cricket Martyn Moxon added: “We’ve been able to persuade him to come and play in the first couple of games which will hopefully get us off to a good start.

“He won matches for us this year. He was fantastic on the pitch for us, but also off the field with the way he spoke to our players. He was very willing to share experiences and advice, so he was the perfect overseas player.

“We look forward to welcoming him back, albeit for a short period of time this coming season.”

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