Kruis in Yorkshire u-turn

Deon Kruis has still got a lot to offer Yorkshire in terms of ability and experience

Deon Kruis will now be playing for Yorkshire again next summer after reaching a fresh agreement with the county which sees him into 2009.

The 34-year-old will return for a fifth successive season, on a one-year contract, and a club statement has now explained the reasons for the initial announcement that Kruis’ Yorkshire career was over.

“Yorkshire felt that Deon had taken too long to make a decision regarding his future and were keen to resolve their bowling requirements - given the competitive nature of the market, coupled with the need to sign a seam bowler,” it said.

“In conversations with Deon earlier this week, it became apparent that he very much regretted his delay in giving the club a decision and the fact this had led to the withdrawal of a new county contract.

“He approached the club requesting whether they would reconsider the position if he committed himself to Yorkshire for the 2009 season. The club were prepared to do this and were delighted to welcome Deon back for another season.”

Kruis is delighted Yorkshire - who have since confirmed Anthony McGrath will be their new captain next year - have had a rethink.

“I have spent the last few nights worrying about where I would be playing my cricket in 2009,” he said.

Kruis was a popular member of the Yorkshire squad and is pleased to be returning to the club

“I know the club were keen to make a decision and I understand their position in that they felt I had taken too long to make my mind up.

“I have spoken to them about this, and both (chief executive) Stewart Regan and (coach) Martyn Moxon have confirmed that they want me to be part of the squad.

“On that basis, I hope I can put the events of the last week behind me and join the squad next March to try to help the club win some silverware.

“I feel I still have a lot to offer - and I cannot wait to get stuck in once again.”

Regan said: “We were disappointed last week with where we ended up so far as Deon Kruis is concerned.

“We had made it clear all along that we wanted him in our squad; however, it appeared that he was dragging his heels and giving us the impression that he wanted to join another club.”

That turned out not to true, Regan adding: “It is now obvious that this is not the case - and having heard him say that he does not want to play cricket for anyone else, then that is good enough for us.

“We are delighted to have him back next season. His performances at the end of the season just gone were outstanding - and he has got a lot to offer us going forward.”