Leicestershire have signed South Africa all-rounder Ruan de Swardt to cover for Nick Kelly, while the New Zealander is on international duty.

De Swardt, 28, slots into a Leicestershire side who are bottom of their T20 Blast group and replaces their top scorer in the competition this season – with Kelly leading the way with 243 runs from nine game.

Kelly has been called up for New Zealand’s one-day series against West Indies, starting in Guyana on July 11.

De Swardt, whose two Test appearances for South Africa came in 2024, joins the Foxes for their three remaining T20 group games and will stay on for their opening three One-Day Cup matches later in July.

It will be De Swardt’s first stint in English cricket, having so far spent his entire first-class and T20 career at home in South Africa.

Leicestershire director of cricket Claude Henderson said said De Swardt is a player who can make “an impact” with the bat and ball in both white ball competitions.