Kent sign du Plessis for T20 Blast climax

Faf du Plessis has been rested from South Africa's T20I squad for India tour © Getty

Faf du Plessis has signed with Kent for the remainder of the T20 Blast. The South Africa Test captain will be available for the team's final two South Division matches against Gloucestershire and Essex. Should Kent win either of those two games, they'll qualify for the knockouts, for which du Plessis will be available as well.

Du Plessis's signing was necessitated after fast bowler Adam Milne was ruled out with a tournament-ending ankle injury. That coupled with Mohammad Nabi's exit left Kent without an overseas player in their defeat to Surrey last Friday. Du Plessis, not named in South Africa's T20 squad for the tour-opening three-match series in India, was originally slated to play in the inaugural Euro T20 slam, which has since been cancelled, leaving him free for a gig at the T20 Blast.

"I really look forward to joining up with Kent for the last part of the Vitality Blast," du Plessis said. "I will do my best to contribute to the already successful team and hopefully help them to lift a trophy. I have played with some of the squad members in the past and look forward to joining up with all the guys again."

Commenting on the star acquisition, Director of Kent cricket Paul Downton said: "We're really excited to be able to bring in a world-class player such as Faf for the rest of the Vitality Blast.

"He is a world-class batsman and, along with his leadership skills, he will be a major asset to our young side, as we seek to progress to the quarter-finals and beyond in this year's competition."