Kyle Abbott has become the first Kolpak cricket player since Brexit came into effect, to return to play domestically in South Africa after signing for the Titans.

The 33-year-old’s existing contract with Hampshire will revert to overseas status for the 2021 and 2022 seasons following the UK’s departure from the EU, a move which no longer allows Kolpaks to participate here as locals.

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There has been ill feeling towards players like Abbott, who controversially turned their backs on international careers to pursue county riches instead, although this move could potentially be the first of several.

Abbott, who has taken 182 County Championship wickets at 18.63 runs apiece in his most recent three seasons at the Ageas Bowl, is now technically available for Proteas selection once more, although he is required to report for pre-season training with Hampshire on 1 March .

For bio-security reasons, Abbott has already linked up with his new team-mates ahead of the One Day Cup which was played in Potchefstroom at the weekend.

‘Like everyone, 2020 has been a tough year. I didn’t play for almost 12 months and was sitting pretty comfortably in Durban fishing, but I felt that going into the new year I had to get out of my comfort zone.

‘The Titans are a well-run, professional unit, and I felt it would be a perfect fit for me right now.’

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