Corey Anderson and Somerset call-off T20 Blast deal

Corey Anderson and Somerset call-off T20 Blast deal: The Kiwi all-rounder won’s fly to England to feature in their premier T20 tournament.

New Zealand all-rounder Corey Anderson’s name has added to the list of overseas players whose contracts have been canceled by respective county teams in the wake of the novel COVID-19 outbreak.

Anderson, 29, was slated to be reunited with Somerset for this year’s T20 Blast Championship. In 20 T20s for Somerset in 2017-18, Anderson has scored 656 runs at an average of 46.86 and a strike rate of 172.18 including four half-centuries.

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Anderson was signed as the second overseas player by the club alongside Pakistan limited-overs captain Babar Azam for T20 Blast 2020.

Anderson, who last played international cricket in 2018, has struggled with injuries and form of late. Representing Auckland in the latest Super Smash competition, the southpaw had scored 129 runs in nine matches at an average of 21.50 and a strike rate of 120.56.

Corey Anderson and Somerset call-off T20 Blast deal

Somerset director of cricket Andy Hurry thanked Anderson and his representatives for understanding the situation and mutually agreeing on parting ways for this season. Considering the uncertainty around resumption of domestic cricket in England, releasing an overseas player seems to be the right decision made by the club.

“The last few months have not been an easy time for anyone and the challenges of dealing with the impact of the pandemic within cricket have been unprecedented. I would like to thank Corey [Anderson] and his representatives for their transparency and understanding in reaching this mutual decision.

“It’s obviously really disappointing news to everyone as there was a real buzz around Corey returning to Taunton. However, this decision provides Corey and the club with clarity in a time of uncertainty,” Hurry said in a statement.