CRICKET; CIYMS make overseas professional switch

The Belmont club have confirmed that Matt McGillivray, a 26-year-old fast-bowling all-rounder, will be coming to Northern Ireland this summer instead of batsman Aiden Markram.

McGillivray, who is capable of bowling around the 85mph mark and bats in the middle order, represents the Lions in South African’s franchise competition.

CI mutually agreed to terminate the contract with precocious batting talent Markram who would not have been available for the entire NCU summer as he continues to attract the attention of South Africa’s national selectors.

Markram played for a South African invitational side against the touring Sri Lankans before Christmas and he is tipped to make the South African A squad for a two-month tour to England in May and June. The squad is due to be announced at the start of this week.

After another outstanding domestic season Markram continues to be tipped for full Proteas honours and CI had increasingly accepted that he may not be able to come for the whole summer.

In McGillivray, they have signed a seasoned overseas professional who has played in the UK on five previous occasions. He has taken 96 first-class wickets at an average of just 18 and averages just a fraction under 20 with the bat. In List A cricket, his batting average increases to 30.