Leics bring in De Swardt as cover for Kelly
Ruan de Swardt's two Test appearances for South Africa came against New Zealand
- Published
Leicestershire have signed South Africa all-rounder Ruan de Swardt to cover for Nick Kelly, while the New Zealander is on international duty.
De Swardt slots into a Leicestershire side who are bottom of their T20 Blast group and replaces their top scorer in the competition this season - with Kelly leading the way with 243 runs from nine game.
Kelly has been called up for New Zealand's one-day series against West Indies, starting in Guyana on July 11.
The 28-year-old joins the Foxes for their three remaining T20 group games and will stay on for their opening three One-Day Cup matches later in July.
It will be De Swardt's first stint in English cricket, having so far spent his entire first-class and T20 career at home in South Africa.
His two Test appearances came in 2024, when South Africa send a reduced-strength squad to tour New Zealand.
Leicestershire director of cricket Claude Henderson said said De Swardt is a player who can make "an impact" with the bat and ball in both white ball competitions.
