Published: 22/02/2010 23:35:01 | Modified: 22/02/2010 23:39:32
Author: Tim Wellock | All Contributors
Tuffey and Gibbs to boost Yorkshire prospects
Yorkshire have signed Herschelle Gibbs for this coming season’s Friends Provident Twenty20 Cup only days after announcing that New Zealander Daryl Tuffey will provide early season cover for Ryan Harris.
Australian seamer Harris was signed in October to replace the disappointing Rana Naved-ul-Hasan, and now Yorkshire have added Gibbs as their second overseas player permitted for the Twenty20 competition.
The dashing 35-year-old batsman has played in 245 one-day internationals and 20 Twenty20 internationals for South Africa.
In 2006 he scored 175 from only 111 balls at Johannesburg as South Africa overhauled Australia’s 434 target in 49.5 overs to clinch a 3-2 series win.
Then, on March 16, 2007, during a World Cup game against the Netherlands, Gibbs hit six sixes off Dan van Bunge's fourth over.
Gibbs will miss the first two Twenty20 games but is expected to start against Durham Dynamos at Headingley on June 10 and will be available for the remainder of the competition.
Speaking to Yorkshire Radio, Gibbs said: “I’ve always enjoyed playing cricket in the UK and have very good memories of Headingley as I got my first World Cup hundred there in 1999.”
Yorkshire coach Martyn Moxon said: “Herschelle will add power, runs and experience to our batting line-up and he is also a fine fielder.
"He’s a vastly experienced international cricketer with the ability to win matches on his own if he hits his best form. I’m looking forward to seeing him play for Yorkshire this year and I’m sure our members and supporters will enjoy Herschelle’s style of cricket too.”
Tuffey will join Yorkshire after fulfilling his commitments to the Deccan Chargers in the Indian Premier League.
The 31-year-old seamer has played in 24 Tests and 85 ODIs. He has played his domestic cricket with Auckland in recent seasons after playing for Northern Districts for the first twelve years of his professional career.
He said: “It’s a great opportunity to advance and develop my cricket. I haven’t played county cricket before and it’s always something I’ve wanted to do. I’m really looking forward to the challenge, and I’m sure I will enjoy it.”
Moxon said: “We felt it was important to have an experienced overseas bowler at the club in the period before Ryan Harris joins us in May.
"We have a young bowling attack and the knowledge and wickets that Daryl can provide us with will be vital if we are to get off to a good start in the County Championship.”