Swanepoel cleared to play for Worcestershire

Worcestershire say they have received the paperwork allowing South African all-rounder Beyers Swanepoel to begin training with them following his controversial exit from his domestic club.

The Lions said Swanepoel left the field early in their 50-over cup final against Titans on 29 March without permission and also without the No Objection Certificate (NOC) from them and Cricket South Africa which overseas players need to play in England.

However, Worcestershire say the NOC for the 27-year-old, who signed a season-long red ball deal in December, has now come through.

"Worcestershire County Cricket Club can confirm that it has now received Beyers Swanepoel's No Objection Certificate from Cricket South Africa," read a statement on the club website.

"Beyers is now able to begin training with the squad and building up his match fitness ahead of our next fixture against Kent at New Road on 24 April."

The Pears brought in Warwickshire seamer Olly Hannon-Dalby as cover on a 14-day loan for the first two rounds of the County Championship.