Sunrisers Eastern Cape Bolster Squad with Zak Crawley and Roelof van der Merwe for SA20 Season 3

Defending champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape have signed England's Zak Crawley and retained Netherlands' Roelof van der Merwe for the SA20 Season 3. Crawley brings a strong batting record, while van der Merwe's past performance includes best-ever figures in the league.

Defending champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape (SEC) have signed England international batter Zak Crawley to their squad for SA20 Season 3. It will mark Crawley's debut in South Africa's premier domestic T20 competition, according to a SA20 press release.

Crawley has demonstrated his prowess at the top order for England in Test cricket, embodying the aggressive 'Bazball' philosophy championed by coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes. The 26-year-old has T20 League experience with Australia's Hobart Hurricanes and boasts a T20 century for Kent in England's T20 Blast.

'I have always wanted to excel in white-ball cricket. I'm adding new shots to my game and intensifying my power-hitting efforts,' said Crawley. His T20 stats include 76 matches, 1771 runs, a 134.07 strike rate, and a highest score of 108*.

Meanwhile, Netherlands all-rounder Roelof van der Merwe will return to SEC for the current season. Known as 'The Bulldog', van der Merwe was a key player in their double championship wins, co-leading the wicket tally with 20 wickets at an economy rate of 5.62. His record includes best-ever figures in SA20 history of 6/20.

Van der Merwe remains a fan favorite and is expected to receive a warm welcome at St George's Park. His T20 statistics include 343 matches, 317 wickets, and 3043 runs, with notable best figures and economy rate.