BIG-hitting New Zealand all-rounder Corey Anderson will join Somerset for the second-half of this season’s NatWest T20 Blast competition.

The 24-year-old is currently playing for New Zealand in the ICC World Cup and will be available to Somerset from game eight through to game 14 of the competition.  

Anderson has played in 10 Test Matches, 30 One Day Internationals and 15 T20 Internationals for New Zealand.

In 2014 he set a new record for the fastest one-day century, reaching three figures in just 36 balls against West Indies at Queenstown.

The all-rounder, who has played for Mumbai Indians in the IPL, has played in a total of 52 T20 matches in his career so far in which he averages 19.41 with the bat and 34.83 with the ball.

Anderson said: “I have always wanted to play domestic cricket in England so I am very pleased to have signed to play T20 cricket for Somerset.

“I look forward to linking up with Somerset later in the season and continuing the strong link that there has always been between the club and players from New Zealand.”

Somerset Director of Cricket, Matt Maynard said: “I am absolutely delighted that Corey is able to join us straight after the New Zealand tour to England concludes.

“He is a very talented all-rounder and really strikes the ball coming in lower in the order which is vital in T20 cricket.

“We are very well served at the top of the order so he will add a bit of strength lower down, as the competition goes along.

“Sohail Tanvir will play the first half of the NatWest T20 Blast competition and Corey will be playing with us from game eight through to game 14 after which goes off with New Zealand on another tour.

“Corey is a really good signing for us and we are very excited to have such a talented player on board.

“He is a dynamic cricketer who will bring the crowds into the County Ground.”