Leicestershire sign Janneman Malan as overseas player for the 2020 season

The South Africa batsman will be available in both white-ball competitions and for three County Championship fixtures

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Janneman Malan has joined Leicestershire as their premier overseas player for the 2020 season, the club have announced.

The 23-year-old will be available in both the One-Day Cup and the T20 Blast, as well as for three County Championship matches.

Malan, brother of Test opener Pieter, is set to face Sussex, Durham and Middlesex in Division Two in May.

A recent addition to The Proteas limited-overs setup, Malan has played two one-day and a pair of T20 internationals for South Africa.

After being unused in the 50-over series against England he has played in both of the recent wins over Australia.

Meanwhile, his only T20 outings came in 2019 against Pakistan.

He has a formidable first-class record with Cape Cobras, having score 3,022 runs at 50.36 in 38 matches.

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"I am thrilled to be joining the Foxes for the upcoming season," he said. "Playing county cricket has always been a dream and to get the opportunity after a strong season in South Africa is very exciting.

“I am looking forward to working with Paul Nixon who is busy getting the boys prepared for pre-season and I will be following their progress closely from afar.”

Head coach Paul Nixon added: “We are absolutely delighted to have Janneman on board with us, primarily for white-ball cricket but also with the opportunity to slot into our red ball side too.

"Securing a high-class opening batsman in T20 and the Royal London Cup has been a major priority and Janneman fits the bill for us.

“His record across all formats his outstanding and we have watched his progress and development with interest. Janneman strikes the ball very cleanly and will be an asset to us. 

"He fits the profile of our squad; young, hungry and adaptable, and we know he is highly thought of in South Africa with his recent international call-ups.”

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