Northants take de Lange shot

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Since England's Monty Panesar joined Sussex during December 2009, Northamptonshire have been without a senior left-arm spinner, until now

Northamptonshire have boosted their spin options for 2012 with the signing of left-armer Con de Lange.

Northants had been without a senior left-arm spinner since Monty Panesar and Graeme White left for Sussex and Nottinghamshire respectively in late 2009.

De Lange, born in South Africa but a UK resident living in Scotland, has joined for this season thanks to funds from what chief executive David Smith described as “external benefactors” and will provide an alternative to off-spinner James Middlebrook.

Head coach David Capel said: “We have considered many candidates throughout the past 12 months and I am pleased that we a signed a player of Con’s quality, who will further strengthen the spin bowling department. I’m sure he will prove to be a great addition to the team.”

The 31-year-old de Lange has played all his senior cricket in South Africa - for Cape Cobras, Eagles and Boland. He has taken 175 first-class wickets in 83 games and 118 List A scalps in as many matches.

The useful right-hander has a batting averages 22.31 in first-class cricket and 23.27 in the List A game.

He said: “I’m very excited to be joining the Northants squad, having noticed how well the team has played over recent seasons.

“I want to be part of a successful squad and help the club gain promotion to Division One of the LV= County Championship. I’m a fighter and I’m determined to always give my best for the team.”

Smith added: “The club has been very fortunate to have had some external benefactors in Northamptonshire assisting us in making this signing possible. At 31 years of age, Con will bring valuable experience to our squad and help us to be competitive in all forms of the game.”

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