The last few months have been a difficult time for the South African as he battled to overcome an ECB decision to refuse him and his compatriot Andrew Hall registrations.

But the pair refused to give up the fight and their persistence has paid off.

An appeal hearing made the governing body overturn their decision – which came because both players had taken part in the Indian Cricket League – last week and some hasty arrangements now see them in this country and ready to take up the Steelbacks cause.
Much to van der Wath's delight.

He said: "It has been frustrating – especially when you know you've got a good case.

"We were confident that we were going to get it sorted and go through with it.

"It would have been nice if it had been sorted earlier but at least we're only a month late getting here.

"To be honest I didn't think we were going to win the appeal. I thought it would go to court where I knew we would have a good case. But that would have taken even longer.

"I was confident all the time that we would be here this
summer.

"They said they could use their discretion but they chose to use it on other players and not us."

Despite the legal entanglements of the last few months van der Wath insists he has no regrets about his participation in the ICL.

Indeed, he still wholeheartedly backs the competition.

He continued: "I've no regrets at all. I think there is a bit of misconception of what is going on there.

"Words like 'rebel' keep getting used but the whole set-up is actually very good for cricket.

"You've got fringe players and youngsters playing in front of huge crowds and with international cricketers.

"That's what the ICL is about and it is definitely a good thing for the game. I've enjoyed every minute of it and have great
support for it."

He is also determined to get going straight away and make a big impact for his county.

Having taken 34 wickets in his 10 first-class appearances last year, he wants to play his part this year in what he considers to be a stronger
bowling attack.

"I've been playing in India and I'm fit and ready to go," he added. "I just want to get started now.

"Obviously I want to do well and play my part in getting us back into the top divisions again. But I've never been one to set personal goals.
"We have a good team here. It looks good. But paper and grass aren't the same thing.

"We have to hit form and do it on the pitch. But we've certainly got high hopes.

"I think we've got a decent, all-round bowling attack now. Last year we all did well in stages.

"But now I think we can put it all together at the same time and make some success here."