Cricket

Hampshire County Cricket Club has bolstered its bowling attack for the second half of the Vitality Blast campaign by signing South African seamer Ottniel Baartman. The 31-year-old replaces Afghanistan's Naveen-ul-Haq, who withdrew due to personal reasons.Baartman, who has yet to earn an international cap, was named in South Africa's T20 World Cup squad and could make his debut in the upcoming series against the West Indies. He has a strong domestic record, having played under Hampshire head coach Adi Birrell for the Sunrisers Eastern Cape in the SA20, where he was a teammate of Liam Dawson."I'm excited to join Hampshire Hawks for my first experience of county cricket," said Baartman. "It's great to reunite with Adi Birrell and Liam Dawson, who I know well from the SA20. I've heard great things about the atmosphere at Utilita Bowl and I can't wait to play in front of the Hawks fans."Baartman will take over from Michael Neser, who has signed for the first eight Blast group games. He will be available for six fixtures in July, including the trip to Middlesex, and the knockout stages in September if Hampshire qualifies.Hampshire's director of cricket, Giles White, expressed his delight at Baartman's signing. "It's a great boost to the squad that Ottniel is available and keen to join us after the World Cup," said White. "He fits the role perfectly and comes off the back of an outstanding domestic summer in South Africa."Baartman's addition to the Hampshire squad adds depth and experience to their bowling attack. His ability to swing the ball and generate pace will be a valuable asset in the Vitality Blast's fast-paced environment.

South Africa has unveiled its 15-man squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup, marking the long-awaited return of pace spearhead Anrich Nortje after a nine-month absence. Nortje, who has been impressing in the Indian Premier League (IPL), will bolster a bowling attack that also includes Kagiso Rabada, Gerald Coetzee, and Ottniel Baartman.Baartman, a standout performer in the inaugural SA20, has earned his maiden T20I call-up along with opening batter Ryan Rickelton. Rickelton, the leading run-scorer in the SA20, is expected to partner Quinton de Kock at the top of the order.The squad features a strong middle order of Aiden Markram (captain), Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, and Tristan Stubbs. Left-arm spinners Keshav Maharaj and Bjorn Fortuin, along with wristspinner Tabraiz Shamsi, provide the spin options.Allrounder Marco Jansen is the lone allrounder in the squad, with Andile Phehlukwayo and Wiaan Mulder missing out. Faf du Plessis, who was expected to make an international comeback, has been overlooked, while Rassie van der Dussen and Matthew Breetzke have also been left out.Van der Dussen and Breetzke will, however, join a second-string South African side for a three-match T20I series against West Indies ahead of the World Cup. That squad also includes uncapped legspinner Nqaba Peter.The T20 World Cup is likely to be de Kock's final international appearance after he retired from ODI cricket last year. South Africa will be hoping to make a strong impact in the tournament, having reached the semi-finals in the previous edition.