Late bloomer inspired late rally
Dwaine Pretorius’ name wouldn’t have caused too much concern in the Black Caps’ camp leading into the one-day international series.
After a standout showing in the second ODI in Christchurch, you can guarantee the hard-hitting South African will be high on the scouting report ahead of game three in Wellington tomorrow.
In just his sixth ODI, unheralded Pretorius nearly snatched a remarkable comeback victory at Hagley Oval, blasting 50 from 27 balls and putting on 61 for the ninth wicket with Andile Phehlukwayo.
The right-arm medium pacer was the Proteas’ most effective bowler in the six-run loss, taking 2-40 from his 10 overs in a breakout performance.
At 27, Pretorius is something of a late bloomer in international cricket. Stalled by several longterm knee injuries, he made his ODI debut against Ireland last September, but experienced a coming of age in Christchurch.
He was poised to give South Africa a 2-0 series lead, until being bowled by a Trent Boult full toss in the penultimate over.
‘‘I’ve worked my whole life to get to this stage,’’ Pretorius said following his stellar display.
‘‘It’s awesome to just contribute. I’m just going to keep working hard and hopefully the days stay my days and we’ll see what happens in the future.’’
Batting at seven, New Zealand could be excused for thinking they had the match sewn up when captain and batting genius AB de Villiers departed leaving them 199-6 in the 39th over.
Pretorius is no bunny with the bat. He averages 42 in first class cricket for the Johannesburgbased Highveld Lions, scoring four centuries with a highest score of 177.
South Africa produced arguably the greatest all-rounder of all time in Jacques Kallis and Pretorius has visions of being a genuine contributor with bat and ball at international level.
‘‘I would love to be seen as a 50-50 all-rounder. I would like to contribute in both aspects of the game.
‘‘Hopefully, people will start seeing me as a 50-50 and then I can keep adding value to the team.’’