Jono Bird

Jono Bird is a high-quality emerging all-round talent from Cape Town, South Africa. Contracted to the Cobras, Jono was a youth star, the classy Left-handed top order batsman was a schoolboy prodigy and attended renowned Cricket school, Bishops. A regular feature for his native Western Province through the age groups, he was walk up start for the South African U19 side, representing the Proteas at the 2020 ICC Under 19 World Cup, held in SA and on over twenty occasions overall. He is also a more than useful Slow Left-arm Wrist Spinner.

At 17, Jono hit 51 (47) and an unbeaten 142 (123) in his first 2 games for the SA U19 side. At the ICC Under-19 World Cup he scored 179 runs @ 29. All in all, he scored 935 runs @ 49 for the SA U19 side. He was offered a rookie contract and place in the CSA national academy once he aged out and was a part of their 2021 tour to Namibia.

Prior to all this, Jono had already made his professional debut for Western Province, making his white ball debuts for WP as a 17 year old in late 2018 and First Class debut the same summer in Jan 2019. The 2021-22 summer was breakout for Jono, scoring two big First Class hundreds against the Lions (152*) and the North West Dragons (126*) as well as a one-day ton against the latter.

Jono first ventured to the UK in 2023, joining Kearsley CC, scoring heavily (1130 runs) and was swiftly re-signed for the 2024 summer, which was a lot tougher on the pitch for him, scoring just 300 runs.

Seeking a return to the UK next summer, Jono will return with a point to prove and show just why he is rated as one of the best young prospects in South African cricket. A great pick for a club seeking a classy top order batsman that can contribute with his Left-arm Wrist spin next summer.