Leicestershire County Cricket Club have announced the signing of Janneman Malan as the club’s frontline overseas player for the 2020 season.

Malan made a stunning unbeaten 129 from 139 balls in just his second ODI appearance for South Africa against an Australia new ball attack of Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins on Wednesday.

The opener is available to play in both white ball formats, as well as the three County Championship fixtures against Durham CCC, Middlesex CCC and Sussex CCC, subject to future international commitments.

Malan will come into the Foxes side as an exciting batsman who made his international debut against Pakistan in a T20 match. He was recently called up to the ODI squads to face England and Australia and is the brother of Pieter, who opened the batting against England in the recent test series.

The 23-year old plays his domestic cricket for Cape Town (red ball) and Cape Town Blitz (white ball) and was the leading run-scorer in the Mzansi Super League. He has opened the batting alongside South Africa wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock.

Malan boasts an excellent record in white ball cricket, averaging 32.59 in T20s at a strike rate of over 135, and 45.32 in List A. His superb statistics also extend to first-class cricket where he averages over 50.

The batsman is homing in on 50 appearances in each of the white ball formats and has made 38 first-class games. He boasts a first-class best of 208no, List A high of 170no and a T20 top score of 128no, one of two centuries.

Malan said: “I am thrilled to be joining the Foxes for the upcoming season. 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 said: “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.”