Claude Henderson

Claude William Henderson (born 14 June 1972) is a former South African cricketer who bowls left-arm spin and played in seven Tests and four ODIs from 2001 to 2002.

Henderson played domestically for Boland and Western Province before joining Leicestershire in 2004, Henderson became the first Kolpak registered player in the County Championship, which allows certain players without a British passport, to play in England without counting as an overseas player under the restrictions on overseas players.

In June 2006, against Surrey, Henderson recorded an innings analysis of 54.2–2–235–3, the most expensive innings figures in the history of the County Championship.

Henderson was in fine form for the Lions cricket team in the 2006–07 SuperSport Series. He was the 5th leading wicket taker in the competition with 34 wickets at an average of 24 He has had a disappointing 2007 season with Leicestershire though.

In 2008 he joined Cape Cobras and after consistent performances gained a place in the Cobras squad for the inaugural Champions League Twenty20 competition in India in 2009.

2011 marked Henderson's testimonial year at Leicestershire. Despite this, he was also Leicester's leading wicket taker in the County Championship and was a significant contributor in the Foxes 2011 Friends Life t20 cup win, where his 4 over spell in the final against Somerset conceded just 11 runs. He was rewards with a new contract at the end of the season.

Henderson announced that he would be retiring from first class cricket at the end of the 2013 season at the age of 41. He plans to return to South Africa where he will become a television pundit and coach. His last game turned out to be the County Championship match at the end of April 2013 against Gloucestershire where his final victim was Benny Howell.

Henderson had to wait till 2001 to make his international debut after Nicky Boje needed surgery. He was selected to make his test debut against neighbours Zimbabwe in Harare. Following the retirement of Boje from the South African test side, Henderson was approached to replace him for the home series against India. Henderson rejected the approach because of his contract with Leicestershire, only willing to play for South Africa if he was given a contract with the South African cricket board.