Ottniel Baartman joins Hampshire for Vitality Blast

Hampshire has secured the services of South African seamer Ottniel Baartman for the latter half of their Vitality Blast campaign. Baartman steps in to replace Afghanistan's Naveen-ul-Haq, who has withdrawn due to personal reasons.

Baartman has not yet made his international debut but was included in South Africa's T20 World Cup squad and might debut in their upcoming series in the West Indies. He has experience playing under Hampshire's head coach Adi Birrell, having been part of the back-to-back SA20 champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape, where he also played alongside Liam Dawson.

Baartman expressed his enthusiasm about the opportunity.

"I'm really looking forward to joining up with Hampshire Hawks for my first experience of county cricket," Baartman said, "it's great to link back up with Adi Birrell and Liam Dawson who I know well from the SA20. I've heard great things about the atmosphere at Utilita Bowl and I can't wait to get playing in front of the Hawks fans this summer," Baartman said.

Baartman will succeed Michael Neser, who is signed for the first eight Blast group matches, joining Ben McDermott among Hampshire's overseas players. He will be available for six games in July, starting with the match against Middlesex, and will also participate in the knockout stages in September if Hampshire advances.