Sipamla in the hunt for wickets
Rookie fast bowler dreams of taking his first scalp after an excellent debut
The Proteas have a rough diamond loaded with talent in unassuming Lutho Sipamla, and he has the potential to develop into a world-class star.
The Proteas have a rough diamond loaded with talent in unassuming Lutho Sipamla and he has the potential to develop into a world-class star.
The 20-year-old fast bowler from Port Elizabeth made his debut in the T20 win over Pakistan at the Bullring on Sunday, when he was introduced into the attack with SA’s frontline bowlers struggling. He ended with figures of 23/0.
The manner in which he frustrated the Pakistan top order earned him praise and he was applauded for his execution. He is due to make a second appearance in the final match at Super Sport Park on Wednesday.
The Proteas are looking to complete a 3-0 series whitewash and Sipamla said while he would like to get his first wicket‚ he would not put himself under pressure on Wednesday.
“I would like to take a wicket every time I bowl but they will come by doing the right things over and over again.
“It is a process that will come with time‚ but I am looking forward to the moment of taking that first wicket for the Proteas if I get to play in the next game‚” he said. “It will definitely be surreal to get my first wicket and a personal milestone. But hopefully it will help the team to win because it is about the team and not individuals.
“I have not been thinking too much about the future because my mind at the moment is on the now. I want to stay here [Port Elizabeth] because the environment is good.”
Sipamla did not get a wicket in his four overs at the weekend‚ but he laid the foundation for SA’s comeback after a poor start as the Proteas eventually won by seven wickets.
He admitted that he was nervous before the match.
“The nerves were there definitely there‚” he said. “I guess anyone will be nervous on the day of making a debut for the Proteas. It was about controlling the emotions and soaking everything in.
“Walking on to the pitch to a full house and knowing that I am realising a childhood dream was an impeccable moment.
“Our captain, David Miller, helped me during the game and he also allowed me to bowl the way I wanted to bowl. When he introduced me‚ he gave me suggestions on field placings and how to bowl because he saw we were in trouble and not bowling the right lines. He asked me to bowl straight and try to control the run rate.”
Sipamla said he tapped into the experience he picked up from working with former SA captain AB de Villiers‚ who was skipper of the Tshwane Spartans in the Mzansi Super League.
“I gained a lot of experience playing with AB. Sharing the dressingroom‚ training and playing with him was lifechanging for me because he kept me calm. His presence calms you because he speaks to you and gives you plans.
“I learned a lot from that experience because at times he allowed me to set the field by myself according to what I wanted to help my bowling.”