Port Elizabeth junior cricketer Luke Beaufort will have the world at his feet when he joins the touring SA U19 squad in India later in February.
The Grey High pupil is one of two Eastern Cape cricketers to make the side, with the other being Nonelela Yikha from Hudson Park in East London.
Speaking about his selection, Beaufort said: “It makes me feel very honoured but at the same time very humbled by the achievement.
“As it is for anyone, playing for your country is something so many boys dream about and to finally conquer that dream of mine from a little boy has encouraged me to do better, but most importantly to enjoy and love the game.”
On getting the chance to play in subcontinental conditions, he said: “So many experiences and new opportunities are going to be presented during the tour.
“It will be a very interesting tour as I get to experience what it’s like to play cricket in very different conditions.
“I think one of the key aspects that I will take away from this tour is to be appreciative of the experience and I am going to try to learn as much as I can to improve my game.”
Asked how he would approach any matches in which he was selected to play, Beaufort said: “I would approach it the same way I approach any other game.
“I would try my best to control the controllables and to just play my natural game.
“I wouldn’t want to change anything because I want to play the game that works for me,” he said.
Born and raised in Port Elizabeth, Luke first held a bat playing backyard cricket with his grandfather.
He said his first competitive match came at age six when he played in the 11-year age group at the Youth Cricket Academy.
“I made 56 runs not out that day, and it was at that point that I realised this was the game for me,” he said.
Having attended Grey Junior before moving on to the high school, Beaufort has played at various age-group levels.
He made his break into the Grey High first team in 2017 while in grade 10.
Beaufort got his break for Eastern Province at the age of 11, playing for the U11B side.
A major highlight was his selection for EP at the Coca Cola Khaya Majola week in December.
Beaufort has also made appearances for the Warriors Cubs side in 2018 and 2019, and said he would be hoping for many more in this regard.