South African batsman Cameron Delport has joined Essex for the 2019 and 2020 T20 Blast.

Delport left Leicestershire, halfway through a two-year contract, in November 2018.

He represented the Paarl Rocks in the recent Mzansi Super League and was part of Tuesday’s Indian Premier League auction, but was not bought by a franchise.

‘We identified early on that we needed to add another batsman to the squad for the Blast and with all of his experience, Cameron fits the bill perfectly,’ said Essex coach Anthony McGrath.

‘He’s excelled in the global competitions and it’s a good match for both the club and the player. We’re excited about the firepower he can add to the side and I’m sure he will excite the Chelmsford crowd.’

The 29-year-old left-hander has also played for the Boost Defenders in the Afghanistan Premier League, Guyana Amazon Warriors and Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel in the Caribbean Premier League, Lahore Qalandars in the Pakistan Super League and Sydney Thunder in Australia’s Big Bash League.

‘The club has an amazing history and tradition, so I’m proud to be given the opportunity to get involved,’ added Delport.

‘There’s a strong squad and I hope to play my part in getting the Eagles to the finals day, come September.’

Photo: Gallo