Warriors fast bowler Anrich Nortje is hoping he has taken the first step to joining the senior Proteas squad after he was selected to represent the South Africa A side to tour India later this month.
Pulling on the green and gold for the first time, Nortje said: “I’m really excited to be part of the squad and I’m looking forward to going to India.
“The selection means a lot to me as it is something I have been dreaming of and takes me one step closer to playing for the Proteas,” Nortje said.
Joining him in the squad will be fellow Warriors wicketkeeper batsman Gihahn Cloete and fast bowler Sisanda Magala, both of whom have previously been called up to the A side.
Nortje will be in line to play two four-day tests against India in Bangalore from August 4 to August 13, while Cloete and Magala are in the one-day squad for a tri-series against India and Australia in Vijayawada starting on August 17.
Nortje said while most of his opportunities for the Warriors had come in the longer format, his ultimate aim was to play all formats.
“I want to play T20 cricket because that is where all the big tournaments are, but I enjoy four-day cricket too.
“It is the biggest challenge of all and it tests all aspects of your game,” he said.
Cloete, who has represented the A side twice, said it was a great honour to once again be recognised for his hard work.Asked about Indian playing conditions, he said: “Previously we have played spinners with a lot of respect and low confidence, but with the confidence the guys play these days it has become much better.”
Cloete has also shone as wicketkeeper for the Warriors and said he would be ready to step up in that role for the national team if required.
“In the team, there is only one keeper, so it looks as if I am the back-up. But I have spoken to coach Rivash [Gobind] on bettering myself in all aspects because it is quite difficult to keep in sub-continent conditions,” he said.
Magala, who also received two previous call-ups to the A side, said this tour would assist the players in bettering their own games while testing their abilities against the best international players.
“One thing I feel I can bring to the team is more control, and being the go-to guy if the team needs a wicket or needs a partnership to be broken,” he said.