Proteas batsman Pieter Malan was named in Warwickshire’s XI for this week’s County Championship fixture against Worcestershire at Edgbaston.
Malan arrived in third position in the batting order and struck 32 before being bowled by seamer Ed Barnard. His stay spanned 74 deliveries and 99 minutes – and featured three fours.
Last month, Malan’s debut had been delayed. He was eventually issued a visa and has since arrived in the United Kingdom.
“It has always been an ambition of mine to play county cricket,” said Malan.
“I can’t wait to get started with the Bears. I’m very excited to be afforded the opportunity at a top county with a proud history like Warwickshire.”
? “I’ve been watching the games on the live stream, so I’ve been itching to get involved.”
Pieter Malan can’t wait to get going! ?
?#YouBears | #WARvWOR pic.twitter.com/rPBlzPSC2c
— Warwickshire CCC ? (@WarwickshireCCC) May 6, 2021
The 31-year-old Malan has been capped three times at Test level. He struck 84 on debut against England at Newlands in Cape Town in early 2020.
“Pieter is a very good signing for us,” added 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 with a point to prove. I know how much he wants to come to the Bears and score some serious runs.”