Beyers Swanepoel: More to come from Worcestershire all-rounder, says head coach Alan Richardson

Worcestershire head coach Alan Richardson says there is “a lot more to come” from all-rounder Beyers Swanepoel following the South African’s solid start to his time at New Road.

After the 27-year-old’s move to the Pears was put in doubt following a delay over the granting of his No Objection Certificate (NOC), he took 3-51 and 2-73 in his debut match as Worcestershire hammered Kent by an innings and two runs.

Swanepoel was due to start the season at New Road having signed a red-ball contract for 2026 but the deal came under threat as he left a domestic cup final early without permission from his South African club, Lions, and flew to the UK without an NOC in place.

After parting company with Lions, Swanepoel’s move to England was rubber-stamped enabling him to begin his Pears career.

“I think he was quite nervous,” Richardson told BBC Hereford and Worcester.

“With everything that’s gone on and, not only that, just being in a new team as well, I thought he bowled really well.

“He applied himself excellently well. I think he thinks there’s a lot more to come and I believe that that would be the case.

“It wasn’t quite clicking for him but what the Worcester members and supporters would have seen was someone who charges in, gives it absolutely everything so I’m really looking forward to seeing how that continues.”