Shaylen Pillay

Shaylen is an experienced All-rounder originally from Gauteng in South Africa. A Top Order Batsman and better than useful seam bowler, Shaylen had been earmarked for big things from an early age. Following prolific performances for his native Gauteng U19, Shaylen was promptly selected in the SA U19 team to contest the 2012 U19 World Cup held in Australia. That side reached the semi-final before losing to a star-studded Australian line up but contained the likes of Quinton de Kock, Calvin Savage & Theunis de Bruyn.

A classy middle order batsman, Shaylen has excelled in the one-day format but has increasingly become a regular in the Provincial 3-day side and is carving out an impressive first class career. It’s easy to forget Shaylen is just 28 having made his first class debut at just 16 years old, hitting the winning runs in a 2-day route of Griqualand West. Averaging mid-30’s in First class, Shaylen has talent by the bucket load and with his handy medium pace provides a genuine all-round option for any UK club for next summer.

A keen coach and operating his own academy in Johannesburg, Shaylen ticks many boxes as a genuine all-round professional for next summer with the added bonus of five previous UK seasons under his belt with Farnworth Social Circle CC in the Bolton League in 2013 and an excellent first summer for Stewarts Melville CC in the Cricket Scotland Eastern Premiership, for whom he scored 521 runs @ 40.07 and picked up 19 wickets @ 18.94. He returned in 2018 without the same success but returned to form in 2019, scoring 414 runs @ 41.40 and chipped in with 13 wickets. He carried his form into 2022, scoring 656 runs @ 38.59 and chiming in with 20 wickets.

He once again proved his value to his long term employer in 2023, with 578 runs and 32 wickets for Stewarts Melville in the Cricket Scotland Eastern Premier League.

Shaylen remains a quality option for clubs seeking a classy top order Batsman that is a genuine seam bowling option.