Beyers Swanepoel

Swanepoel is an exciting pace-bowling all-rounder who was rewarded for his domestic exploits with South Africa A selection for the Sri Lankan tour in June 2023.

His selection was incredibly well deserved following his performances for the star-studded Warriors side in South African domestic cricket.

The all-rounder has been one of the stand-out performers in South Africa in recent seasons, including winning the 2019/20 CSA Cricketer of the Year award, and finishing as the leading seam bowling wicket taker in 2022/23 CSA 4-Day Series (33 wickets at 16.12).

Rolling back the years, Swanepoel's career really kicked off following his move from Free State to Northern Cape in 2019/20. He excelled scoring 405 runs at 50.62 and taking 34 wickets at 18.38.

Season highlights included a blistering 188 not out (from 169 balls with 16 fours and 8 sixes) against KwaZulu Natal and a sequence of 5-wicket hauls against Eastern Province (5-84), Northerns (5-40), and North West (7-50).

His exploits for Northern Cape resulted in Franchise inclusion in January 2020, playing a Knights first-class match against the Lions.

He was then selected to represent a CSA Invitational XI against the touring England side a few weeks later, where he produced notable performances in both games - 2-42 and 2-58 / 25* (20), including the wickets of Denly, Ali, Woakes, and Curran.

The right-arm seamer and explosive left-hand batter is now delivering the promise that saw him represent Northerns through all age groups, the Titans Cubs, and South African Universities. For the latter, he was their leading wicket-taker during the South Africa Emerging Players Tri-Series in June-July 2019.

Unfortunately, COVID struck at the wrong time with Swanepoel flying in domestic cricket. Nevertheless, the return of red-ball cricket in 2021/22 culminated with a further 14 wickets at 15 in 3 matches.

Roll on the 2022/23 season and he would excel in first-class cricket with both bat (235 runs at 29.37) and ball (33 wickets at 16.12) to earn South Africa A selection.

Swanepoel has also enjoyed 3 seasons abroad, initially for Anston in the Bassetlaw and District Championship back in 2017 (1,395 runs at 46.50 and 66 wickets at 17.61), before 2 seasons (albeit a brief 2023) with North Staffs powerhouse Elworth (761 runs at 33.09 and 40 wickets at 17.90).

The Warriors all-rounder really is a star for the future, and it's uncertainly what his UK availability will look like for 2024. Obviously, his national ambitions take priority but should he be available for a UK return, clearly he'll be one of the most sought after acquisitions on the market.