The Warriors’ success in white-ball cricket in the past number of seasons always raises the question of why only Anrich Nortje is currently within the Proteas’ ODI set-up.
Too often Warriors players have been overlooked when it comes to progression into the Proteas.
And when one is given a chance, he is not always afforded as long a run as others. Warriors captain Jon-Jon Smuts, who led his team to the Momentum One-Day Cup trophy last season, was given eight T20 international matches, batting at various positions in the order.
Not once was he awarded a chance in the 50-over side despite having been a consistent performer with both bat and ball for many seasons.
The Proteas have struggled to find a batting allrounder to bowl them a few overs and that problem could have solved itself had they tried Smuts in the middle-order some time back.
But the fact that we have decent cricketers in the region is finally dawning on the folk up north and we are starting to slowly see some players being recognised.
Opening batsman Gihahn Cloete has played two T20 internationals for SA, with the last of those coming against Pakistan at the start of February.
Hopefully, he gets a chance to play in the three T20s against Sri Lanka but he, too, deserves a crack at the ODI team after the World Cup.
Young fast bowler Lutho Sipamla also has two T20Is behind his name and most definitely could become a regular given more opportunities down the line.
Straying from the white ball, Warriors opening batsman Eddie Moore is a player who has been kicking down the door of national honours in first-class cricket.
He has scored a massive 1,500 runs in red-ball cricket this season and warrants a shout in at least the SA A squad this winter.
Then there is talented batsman Sinethemba Qeshile, who has excelled in both formats of the game.
Every now and then, a player comes along with outstanding ability and Qeshile, only 19, is undoubtedly one such star.
The calmness the young man exudes under pressure is astounding and he looks set for a promising international career when given a chance.
The Eastern Cape is oozing with cricket talent. Hopefully, the selectors will continue to take notice.