Proteas allrounder Wiaan Mulder set for stint in English county cricket with Essex

The 27-year-old will play six first-class matches and six white-ball matches for Essex during his time at Chelmsford.

A seam bowler and capable of batting in the top order, Mulder has appeared in 24 Tests, 30 ODIs and 11 T20Is and was part of the Proteas side that won the World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord's in June last year.  

In quotes published on Essex's website, he said: "I am really excited about joining Essex and coming back to the UK for a new challenge.

"I have always had great experiences playing here and am looking forward to seeing what we can achieve together at Essex County Cricket Club."

Mulder made headlines in July last year when he smashed 367 not out in a Test match against Zimbabwe, placing him in the top five highest individual Test innings of all time.

He previously enjoyed a very successful county cricket with Leicestershire.

Essex director of cricket, Chris Silverwood, added: "We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Wiaan to Essex. 

"He is a proven international performer and one of the most complete all-rounders in the game today.

"His ability to contribute consistently with both bat and ball will add real balance to our squad, and his experience at the highest level will be invaluable to our group.

"The Club is looking forward to seeing the impact Wiaan can make for us in both the County Championship and T20 Blast during his time with us at the start of the 2026 season."

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