Boss: Pieter just perfect for the Bears
WARWICKSHIRE have signed South African Test batsman Pieter Malan as their overseas player for the forthcoming County Championship campaign.
With 10,691 first-class runs to his name at an average of 44.36 and 33 centuries, 31-year-old Malan will join the Bears for the opening game at Edgbaston, versus Derbyshire, on April 8. He is available for all red-ball fixtures.
“Pieter is a very good signing for us,” said Warwickshire director of cricket Paul Farbrace.
“He has played a lot of cricket in South Africa and he has a very impressive batting average across all three formats.
“He played against England last winter and I think he has been unlucky not to play more international cricket.
“We have got some very talented young batsmen in our top order and for them to work with, and bat out in the middle with, someone of Pieter’s experience and quality will be brilliant for them.
“Pieter is also a very impressive man, friendly, likeable and polite, but with real inner steel and a point to prove.
“I know how much he wants to come to the Bears and score some serious runs.”
Malan has played three Tests to date for South Africa and he represents Cape Cobras in his home domestic competition.
He said: “It’s always been an ambition of mine to play county cricket and I’m very excited to be afforded the opportunity at a top county with a proud history like Warwickshire.
“I can’t wait to get to Edgbaston and get started with the Bears.”
Malan’s signing follows last week’s announcement that West Indies
T20 star Carlos Brathwaite will join the Bears for the 2021 Vitality Blast campaign.
Fast bowler Olly Hannon-Dalby and batsman Sam Hain have also committed to the club in the last fortnight by signing contract extensions.