England's Zak Crawley joins Sunrisers Eastern Cape ahead of third SA20 campaign

Crawley is a regular in England's Test team and is known for his attacking approach at the top of the order in the longest format.

The 26-year-old has previously played for the Hobart Hurricanes in Australia's Big Bash League (BBL) and also boasts a century for Kent in England's T20 Blast competition.

"I've always wanted to be a good white-ball player," Crawley said recently. "I'm trying to add a few other shots to my game, but I feel like it's quite suited and I've gone well in T20 cricket in the past when I've had a run at it.

"I'm trying to add a bit more power to my game, I'm working hard in the nets trying a few different things to hopefully hit more and bigger sixes."

The double defending SA20 champions have also confirmed that veteran spinner Roelof van der Merwe will return to the franchise.

The left-arm spinner was the joint leading wicket-taker with 20 scalps in the first season of the tournament, while boasting an economy of just 5.62, as the Sunrisers won the title.

The 39-year-old was absent when the Eastern Cape side defended their trophy last season but will hope to inspire the team to a triple crown.

The third season of the SA20 tournament will kick off on 9 January 2025 and run until 8 February.