Kyle Abbott will be dropped from South Africa’s squad for the third test against Sri Lanka because he has signed a Kolpak deal to play for Hampshire‚ TMG Digital has learnt.
The second test at Newlands is thus likely to be his last international match.
News of Abbott’s probable retirement to take up the county offer broke on Monday.
He is understood to have admitted to his teammates on Tuesday that he had signed with Hampshire.
- Rabada says he will be sad to see Abbott go as speculation over his retirement from international cricket mountsAn unusual cloud lurked over Newlands for much of the third day’s play in the second test between South Africa and Sri Lanka on Wednesday.
Abbott struggled to establish himself in South Africa’s test team‚ and likely is currently in the mix only because Dale Steyn is injured.
The Kolpak option is popular with South Africans because it allows them to be regarded as Europeans‚ which frees them from the restrictions placed on overseas players on the county circuit.
- Kyle Abbott bombshell hits SA cricketCricket SA (CSA) will meet with Kyle Abbott’s agents on Wednesday following a report claiming the fast bowler plans to retire from international cricket at the end of the month to pursue a career in England.
Hardus Viljoen‚ Stiaan van Zyl and Simon Harmer have all taken up Kolpak deals in recent months.
Reports on Thursday suggested Rilee Rossouw - who shares an agent with Abbott - was considering a similar decision.
- TMG Digital
Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.