Northamptonshire have announced that Johannes van der Wath, the South Africa allrounder, has signed as the club's second overseas players for 2007. He is a versatile all-rounder, capable of lively pace bowling and powerful hitting in the middle order and is currently playing for the Eagles in South Africa.

van der Wath said: "I'm really looking forward to a full season in England. The time at Sussex last year whetted my appetite and I've heard really good things about Northamptonshire. Plans for the season sound exciting and I want to let the club fans know that I'll be doing my best to help make it a successful one."

The chief executive Mark Tagg added: “In the increasingly competitive four-day and one-day game we are determined to play attractive and exciting cricket and Johannes signature will ensure that our supporters will be able to enjoy top quality entertainment throughout the season.”

David Capel, the head coach, echoed those thoughts: “He offers us experienced seam bowling and hard hitting lower middle order options in all forms of the game. He is a well respected cricketer in South Africa and one that has a reputation for giving 100% at all times as well as being a quality performer.