SOUTH African rising star Josh Richards is on his way to Paignton for the Premier season ahead – global and local travel restrictions permitting.

Paignton lined-up the 20-year-old batsman at the end of last season, but have only just made the signing public.

Richards went through the cricket system at St Stithians College in Johannesburg, which is the alma mater of South African internationals Kagiso Rabada, Wiann Mulder and former England batsman Michael Lumb.

South Africa capped Richards at under-19 level during their 2018 tour of the UK.

He made his First Class debut for Gauteng in 2018 and marked his debut with a century against KwaZulu-Natal Inland. Since then he has added five more tons and four 50s in a hefty total of 1,637 runs from 37 knocks at an average of 46.77.

In List A cricket Richards has four 50s and one century from 14 trips to the crease.

George Benton, the Paignton captain, said:” Josh looks like a serious talent who is making a name for himself in franchise cricket with the Lions right now.”