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Cape Town - Proteas fast bowler Kyle Abbott and batsman Rilee Rossouw will both leave South Africa to take Kolpak deals with English county side Hampshire.
This was announced after the Proteas comprehensive 282-run victory over Sri Lanka in the second Test in Cape Town.
Rossouw's deal with Hampshire is set for three years, while Abbott confirmed his will be at the county for four years.
Abbott, 29, has played 10 Tests for South Africa taking 39 wickets and has appeared in 28 ODIs and 21 T20Is.
Rossouw, 27, has made 1239 runs in his 36 ODIs and has played 15 T20Is for South Africa.
Their decision to leave the Proteas set-up left social media users with mixed emotions. Several fans were outraged by their shock decision, while others were more supportive of the duo.
This is how Twitter reacted:
https://t.co/LINC14AgZN?
— Donavan Heugh (@DonavanHeugh) January 5, 2017
Can't blame him. What happens when Steyn is fit and especially after World cup debacle.
shared via @Sport24news
@Sport24news: Although obvious and maybe true, CSA's comment about 'the money' invested on Riley, is uncalled for. I wish them both well.
— Hans Mijlof (@HMijlof) January 5, 2017
@Sport24news ..I will never look at you as a cricketer ever again. you are a bought slave of the game. #Proteas should've dropped you before
— Gavin (@GHeinrichT) January 5, 2017
@Sport24news quite emotional. I get him, i really do.
— Thabiso (@Thaso_luv) January 5, 2017
South Africas loss. We manage our sport like the backside of a mule. https://t.co/2Cad4Cdqzf
— Anthony Biddulph (@AnthonyBiddulph) January 5, 2017
@News24 @Sport24news : Can fully understand and support your decision if treated like you were. All the best for your future.
— Danie Marais (@daniedutmarais2) January 5, 2017
@News24 @Sport24news I feel for Abbott always gives his best but not certain of a spot. Wish him the best of luck.
— kerotse Mosebetsi (@kmosebetsi) January 5, 2017
@Sport24news I am really disappointed in Rossouw #sscricket #ProteaFire where is our honor
— Retief Potgieter (@23spyker5) January 5, 2017
Amazing to see the hatred & criticism being spewed at @Rileerr @Kyle_Abbott87 Sad to see all the negative reactions to these great players
— Roland Schoeman (@Rolandschoeman) January 5, 2017
Go you good thing....good luck @Kyle_Abbott87 ...you deserve it. https://t.co/ntcTVz55Ph
— Pat Symcox (@PatSymcox77) January 5, 2017
To lose Kyle Abbott and Rilee Rossouw at the same time is a dreadful feeling as a cricket fan. Such talent. Wish them both the best abroad.
— Marc Lewis (@MarcLewisZA) January 5, 2017
Kyle Abbott making a work/life decision. Incredibly tough call. Let's back the man.#difficultcall #respect
— Jason Gillespie (@dizzy259) January 5, 2017
Good on @Kyle_Abbott87. Has given his all for SA when it would have been easier at times to pack it all in. If he were to write a book...
— Jean Smyth (@JeanSmyth) January 5, 2017
Abbott and Rossouw's Hampshire team-mates welcomed the South Africans with open arms on Twitter:
Really excited to see @Kyle_Abbott87 and @Rileerr perform for the rose and crown! Even more buzzing for the season!!!
— Mason Crane (@masoncrane32) January 5, 2017
Excited for the 2017 season is a understatement! Welcome @Kyle_Abbott87 and @Rileerr big year for @hantscricket ahead ??
— Chris Wood (@CWoody27) January 5, 2017
Brilliant to have @Kyle_Abbott87 and @Rileerr joining us @hantscricket. A very exciting squad coming together.
— James Vince (@vincey14) January 5, 2017
2 superb signings for @hantscricket welcome @Rileerr and great to have @Kyle_Abbott87 back.
— liam dawson (@daws128) January 5, 2017
Very excited by the signings of @Kyle_Abbott87 @ @Rileerr. Good times ahead for @hantscricket, roll on the 2017 season! #??&??
— Will Smith (@WillSmith_2) January 5, 2017
Very exciting to have @Kyle_Abbott87 & @Rileerr join @hantscricket Great additions to our squad #Rose&Crown
— Lewis McManus (@lewis_mcmanus) January 5, 2017
Well, @Kyle_Abbott87 and @Rileerr are amazing signings! Can't wait for this summer and the years to come with them at this great club!
— Reece JW Topley (@reece_topley) January 5, 2017
Awesome signings exciting times ahead for @hantscricket with @Rileerr & @Kyle_Abbott87 ????
— Thomas Alsop (@TAlsop9) January 5, 2017
Hampshire Cricket are delighted to announce the signings of Kyle Abbott and Rilee Rossouw.
— Hampshire Cricket (@hantscricket) January 5, 2017
Full story: https://t.co/iaum5OUC8b pic.twitter.com/yo3nevHNmh
