Aiming high
Gutsy batsman proved his worth despite SA’s defeat in Colombo
Theunis de Bruyn has set his sights on becoming South Africa’s permanent No 3, the 25year-old said after proving his credentials during his team’s comprehensive defeat by Sri Lanka on Monday.
The right-hander displayed exemplary focus and application, apart from his technical solidity, to register his maiden Test century, also the first by a South African batsman in the two-test series.
He collaborated with Temba Bavuma to raise South Africa’s first century-stand in the series as the spin-tormented Proteas finally breached the 150-run mark in the second innings in Colombo – though it was not enough to avoid a 2-0 whitewash.
De Bruyn, whose 101 off 232 balls was also the longest innings in terms of deliveries faced in the spin-dominated series, said: “For me, it does make a difference batting at No 3.
“I’ve batted there my whole career, even as a youngster.
“The waiting game when you’re batting at six and seven mentally drains you.
“I don’t know, I’m not used to it. But I wanted to do really well batting at No 3.
“It’s a place I really cherish and I’d like to make it my own if I get more opportunities.”
De Bruyn debuted as an opener in New Zealand last year and batted at No 6 and 7 in his next four Tests before the match in Colombo.
“It’s been quite a journey. It’s been tough.
He made a duck on his test debut, and said: “My international career didn’t start the way I wanted it to.
“But I just had a bit of calmness landing in the airport here in Sri Lanka.
“I looked at the ocean and said to myself: ‘Yep, there could be something special.’
“For me it was special.” His century was in stark contrast with South Africa’s endless struggle against the turning ball as they lost all 20 wickets to the Sri Lankan spinners in Colombo.
While his more illustrious teammates meekly surrendered to the turning ball, De Bruyn showed how it was to be handled with his decisive footwork and unwavering focus. –
‘It’s been quite a journey. It’s been tough’ Theunis de Bruyn SOUTH AFRICA CRICKETER