SOMERSET County Cricket Club have signed a new overseas player for the next two seasons.

Fast bowler Marchant de Lange, 30, has agreed a two-year deal with the club, and will be available to play in all formats in the 2021 and 2020 seasons.

De Lange played for his native South Africa on seven occasions - taking 7-81 on his Test debut against Sri Lanka in 2011 - before making the move to play county cricket in 2017.

He has taken 160 wickets across all formats for Glamorgan, and 314 First Class wickets (at an average of 29.9) in total.

De Lange is a more than capable batsman, too, striking a 62-ball century against Northamptonshire this summer.

After signing his contract, De Lange said: “It is a huge privilege for me to be joining Somerset and I can’t wait to start my journey with such an ambitious and proud club.

"I am very excited of the prospect of being part of a formidable team and striving towards winning multiple competitions and silverware.

"It is very noticeable how well supported the club is, and I am really looking forward to meeting the members and supporters hopefully on their safe return in 2021.”

Somerset director of cricket Andy Hurry commented: “I’m delighted to be able to share the news of the signing of Marchant, who will no doubt add real value, a different dimension to an already potent bowling attack and demonstrates our intent to continue to strive to winning silverware.”

“Marchant’s skill, experience and ability to bowl at express pace will complement our bowling group perfectly.

"He has the proven ability to take wickets and positively change and influence games across all formats, and I believe he will be a great fit for our environment.”

Counties will be permitted to field two overseas-registered players in County Championship and Royal London One-Day Cup from next season.

The England & Wales Cricket Board gave the green light to the change for 2021, an increase from the one overseas player that counties have been able to field in the four-day and one-day competitions.

The Vitality Blast is to remain unchanged, with counties already allowed to play two overseas cricketers in the T20 competition.