---
title: "“More to come” from Swanepoel says Richardson as Worcestershire build early Division Two momentum"
canonical: "https://readcricket.com/2026/05/01/worcestershire-swanepoel-richardson-more-to-come-division-two-start-cricket-news/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Aaron McNicholas"
section: "County Cricket"
published: "2026-05-01T08:03:00Z"
modified: "2026-05-01T08:03:00Z"
---

# “More to come” from Swanepoel says Richardson as Worcestershire build early Division Two momentum

**At a glance**

- **Swanepoel takes 5-124 on Worcestershire debut**
- **Richardson confident of further improvement**
- **Worcestershire climb to third in Division Two**

* * *

Head coach Alan Richardson believes there is “more to come” from new signing Beyers Swanepoel after the **[South African](https://cricket.co.za/)** all rounder impressed on debut in Worcestershire’s **[commanding innings-and-2-run victory over Kent](https://readcricket.com/2026/04/26/county-championship-division-two-round-four-day-three-report-cricket-news/)**.

Swanepoel, 27, delivered match figures of 5-124, including 3-51 in the first innings and 2-73 in the second, helping the Pears secure a comprehensive win at New Road. It was a performance that hinted at significant promise, particularly given the turbulent lead up to his arrival.

## **Swanepoel Makes Immediate Impact Despite Disrupted Arrival**

Initially signed on a red-ball contract for the 2026 season, Swanepoel’s move had been thrown into doubt after he left a domestic cup final early while still contracted to Lions and travelled to the UK without a No Objection Certificate. A subsequent split from the Lions cleared the path for his registration in England.

Speaking to BBC Hereford and Worcester, Richardson acknowledged the challenges surrounding the player’s transition and the composure he showed under pressure:

> “I think he was quite nervous. With everything that’s gone on and, not only that, just being in a new team as well, I thought he bowled really well.”

The **[Worcestershire](https://readcricket.com/2026/03/26/worcestershire-county-championship-2026-preview/)** coach pointed to Swanepoel’s work ethic and attitude as key positives, even if his performance did not yet represent his full potential:

> “He applied himself excellently well. I think he thinks there’s a lot more to come and I believe that that would be the case.
>
> “It wasn’t quite clicking for him but what the Worcester members and supporters would have seen was someone who charges in, gives it absolutely everything so I’m really looking forward to seeing how that continues.”

## **Worcestershire Finding Rhythm in Division Two**

Worcestershire’s emphatic win over **[Kent](https://readcricket.com/2026/04/02/kent-county-championship-2026-preview/)** continues an encouraging return to Division Two following relegation last season. After beginning with a hard fought draw against **[Derbyshire](https://readcricket.com/2026/04/02/derbyshire-county-championship-2026-preview/)**, the Pears have since secured victories over **[Middlesex](https://readcricket.com/2026/03/31/middlesex-county-championship-2026-preview/)** at Lord’s and Kent at home.

Those results leave them third in the table, 6 points behind **[Durham](https://readcricket.com/2026/03/27/durham-county-championship-2026-preview/)** and 9 adrift of leaders Lancashire, as they prepare for their next fixture against **[Northamptonshire](https://readcricket.com/2026/03/29/northamptonshire-county-championship-2026-preview/)**.

## **Richardson Praises Resilience and Control**

> ❌ "It's been a real challenge for him. He's been here on his own. I don't think there's any winners out of this."\
> \
> 🏏 "Hopefully now we can move on & Beyers can enjoy his Cricket with us."\
> \
> Worcestershire Head Coach Alan Richardson reflects on the Beyers Swanepoel NOC saga [pic.twitter.com/fIb3K7F9LZ](https://t.co/fIb3K7F9LZ)
>
> — talkSPORT Cricket (@Cricket\_TS) [April 15, 2026](https://twitter.com/Cricket_TS/status/2044483392889360738?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

Richardson believes the early signs point to a side growing in confidence and resilience:

> “The performances, apart from probably the first two days at Derby, have been really good,” he said.
>
> “The boys have shown a huge amount of spirit and character which they’re going to need at times.”

He also highlighted the team’s adaptability across contrasting conditions, from a high scoring encounter at Lord’s to a controlled display against Kent:

> “A game of four-day cricket can be a bit of a rollercoaster in that they’ve stuck together really well. So, yeah, it’s been really pleasing so far.
>
> “Middlesex was a bit of a shootout on an interesting wicket and we did that really well and I thought it was a really good display against Kent – we gave ourselves a real chance by bowling superbly in the first innings, and then managed to get a long way past them, so then we always felt like we had an element of control.”

With momentum building and Swanepoel already making his mark, Worcestershire’s early season trajectory suggests a campaign that could yet gather serious pace.

****Stay up to date with all the latest [County Championship](https://readcricket.com/county-cricket/) news at readcricket.com****