VAN THE MAN FOR BREADY AND GERMANY

Josh van Heerden’s cricket journey has taken him from South Africa to the North West Premiership with Bready – and onto the international stage with Germany through a remarkable family connection stretching back to the Second World War.

The 28-year-old, now in his second season at Bready, qualifies for Germany through his grandparents after his grandmother left Europe for South Africa as a child during the war.

“I qualified for Germany through my grandparents,” explained Van Heerden.

“My grandmother was a child in World War II and subsequently moved out to South Africa.”

His international career almost happened by chance with Cricket Germany being alerted to his eligibility.

“It came about through one of the past German coaches, Stephen Knox, who got in contact with me,” he said.

“I came to play club cricket for Weybridge on my German passport and then that's how word got out through one of the agents.

“He got in touch with Stephen Knox and then they asked would I be keen to play. That's how it came about and started.”

Since making his Germany debut in 2022, Van Heerden has become one of the side’s key performers. In 14 T20 Internationals he has scored 400 runs at an average of exactly 40 while also contributing seven wickets with the ball.

His latest assignment saw Germany take on Denmark as preparations continue for this year’s ICC T20 World Cup qualifiers.

“It’s always a privilege to play for Germany,” he said.

“I enjoyed the series against Denmark. They played some good cricket and it allowed us to have some really good prep for the World Cup qualifiers later this year.”

Back in Ireland, Van Heerden has quickly become a cornerstone of Bready’s batting. He has amassed 513 runs this season at an average of 51.30, including five half-centuries and a century, although a shoulder injury has restricted his bowling workload.

“Life at Bready has been really good,” he added.

“The people have been amazing and hopefully with the weather looking good we can get a few more games in on the weekend.”