Birmingham Bears sign West Indian Kyle Mayers for Vitality Blast

West Indies batting all-rounder Kyle Mayers has signed for Birmingham Bears for the final three games of the Vitality Blast group stage.

The left-handed batsman and right-arm medium bowler made his T20 International debut for Windies away to New Zealand last year after impressing for Barbados Tridents in the 2020 Caribbean Premier League (CPL) with 222 runs.

He subsequently won his first ODI cap versus Bangladesh at the beginning of the year and has made six Test match appearances, which include scoring an unbeaten double hundred on his debut in February.

Bears Director of Cricket Paul Farbrace said: “Kyle played superbly in last year’s CPL, which helped him to break into the Windies ranks across all formats.

“Being able to add Kyle, as a hard-hitting batsman and skilful seam bowler, to our squad as we bid for a quarter final place is great boost. We also recognise how motivated Kyle is by this opportunity to feature in another leading T20 tournament with an ICC T20 World Cup just around the corner.”

Twenty-eight-year-old Mayers will arrive at Edgbaston imminently and will be available for Friday night’s local derby away to Worcestershire Rapids in addition to the return match at Edgbaston, one week later, and the final group game at home to Northants Steelbacks on Sunday July 18.

Kyle Mayers said: “I’m very excited by this opportunity to join up with the Bears and I hope that I can contribute with the bat and ball during these final three important games of the Blast.

“I understand that the Bears have enjoyed a good association with West Indies cricketers and I’m very proud to join this list of players. Hopefully I can make some important contributions, which secure our path through to the knockout stages.” (edgbaston.com)