South Africa International Ruan de Swardt Joins the Foxes

Leicestershire County Cricket Club is delighted to announce the signing of South Africa international Ruan de Swardt as overseas cover while Nick Kelly is away on international duty with New Zealand.

De Swardt will be available for the Foxes' final three Vitality Blast North Group fixtures before remaining with the Club for the opening three Metro Bank One Day Cup matches.

The all-rounder arrives with international experience, having represented South Africa in two Test matches, alongside an impressive white-ball record that will add depth and balance to Alfonso Thomas' squad.

In T20 cricket, de Swardt has scored 270 runs at a strike rate of 123.28, while also taking 25 wickets at an average of 23.00, highlighting his ability to contribute with both bat and ball.

His List A record is equally impressive, having amassed 1,234 runs at an average of 39.80, including three centuries and a highest score of 114. With the ball, he has claimed 44 wickets at an average of 30.79, further demonstrating his all-round quality ahead of the Metro Bank One Day Cup campaign.

De Swardt will link up with the squad immediately ahead of the final week of the Vitality Blast group stage.

Ruan de Swardt said: "I'm really excited to be joining Leicestershire for the remainder of the Vitality Blast group stage and the start of the Metro Bank One Day Cup. I've heard great things about the Club, and I'm looking forward to getting over there and meeting the players and staff.

"Hopefully I can contribute with both bat and ball, help the team finish the Blast strongly and make a positive start to the One-Day Cup campaign. I can't wait to get started."

Claude Henderson, Director of Cricket, commented, "We're delighted to welcome Ruan to Leicestershire. He's a proven all-round cricketer who will strengthen our squad at an important stage of the season.

"With Nick away on international duty, we wanted to bring in someone who could make an impact in both the Vitality Blast and the Metro Bank One Day Cup with both bat and ball. Ruan has already played Test cricket for South Africa and has an excellent record in white-ball cricket, so we're excited to have him with us over the coming weeks.

"He'll give us great balance and plenty of experience, and we're looking forward to seeing what he can bring to the Foxes."