SANDFORD have signed Zimbabwean international Timycen Maruma as their overseas professional for the 2020 season.
Maruma, who has represented Zimbabwe in all three forms of international cricket, is an early order batsman and a leg-spin bowler.
The 31 year old made his one-day international debut against South Africa in 2007 and added a T20 cap 12 months later. Maruma earned a Test cap against South Africa in 2013.
Maruma has clocked up more than 4,500 runs in First Class cricket – seven tons, 27 half-centuries - and taken 205 wickets. In 50-over cricket his stats are 2,340 runs and 57 wickets. Currently he plays for Mountaineers.
Maruma is no stranger to Northern Hemisphere conditions having spent three seasons playing either in this country or the Republic of Ireland.
Last season Maruma played in Lancashire for Ribblesdale League side Cherry Tree, for whom he scored 705 runs and bagged 31 wickets.
Maruma is a qualified coach with a South African level two qualification.
Richard Foan, the Sandford captain, said Maruma has the perfect CV for a club professional.
“He has very good experience at all levels of the game and offers something with the bat and ball,” said Foan.
“Timycen will help the club on and off the field and I am excited to have him on board.”
Sandford’s overseas player in 2019 was Australian Harrison Jones, who clattered along to 531 runs at an average in the early 40s.
Jones has lived in the UK long enough to classed as a local player now, which means he can play in the same team as Maruma.
“It is great for us that they can both play this season,” said Foan.
“Harrison had a great summer last year and is only going to get better.”
Sandford will be running a 3rdXI for the season ahead, which will play home games at Newton St Cyres CC.
Indoor nets will start soon and with a new team to populate Sandford would be glad to see players of all abilities.
