Essex sign Mulder for early part of 2026 season

Essex have signed South Africa all-rounder Wiaan Mulder for the first 10 weeks of the 2026 county season.

The 27-year-old will be available for the County Championship and the early part of the T20 Blast.

Mulder had a chance to better Brian Lara's world record Test score of 400 not out against Zimbabwe last summer but was on 367 when he declared South Africa's first innings.

He has played 65 international matches across all three formats, scoring 1,696 runs and taking 72 wickets.

Essex director of cricket Chris Silverwood told the club website: "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."

Mulder, who also played for Kent and Leicestershire, will be available for the Championship opener against Hampshire at the Ageas Bowl on 3 April and will play his final game in the T20 Blast at Chelmsford on 9 June.

"I am really excited about joining Essex and coming back to the UK for a new challenge," he said.

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

Mulder will join fellow South Africans Simon Harmer and Dean Elgar at Chelmsford - although the latter does not count as an overseas player as he also has a UK passport.