MALAN: ‘IT’S A PRIVILEGE’
Malan thoroughly enjoyed fighting for the Proteas against England on debut
NEW Proteas opening batsman Pieter Malan has hailed his franchise coach Ashwell Prince for his role in helping shape the impressive debutant.
Malan almost carved himself into Test cricket’s history books by batting for more than six hours, facing 288 balls in the process of scoring 84 in a bid to save South Africa from succumbing to England at Newlands for the first time since 1957.
Although he and the rest of the Proteas ultimately failed in their rearguard efforts by only 8.4 overs, allowing England to also level the four-match series at 1-1, it was still a herculean effort by the 30-year-old.
It may have been a surprise to many international viewers in the manner Malan maintained his patience at the crease, but for the locals at Newlands it is a performance they have witnessed Malan put in countless times for his franchise the Cape Cobras.
This is largely due to Malan’s close relationship with Prince, who was a Test batsman known for his ability to grind out runs under trying circumstances.
“He (Prince) has been massive for my career. He gave me the chance to get back into franchise cricket. He played over 60 Test matches, averaged over 40, so like (SA captain) Faf (du Plessis) said... he has lived it, so when he tells you something you listen,” Malan said.
“It’s small things that he keeps refining. It is a bit of cat and mouse game where you improve something when the bowlers find something.
“From the mental side of things he always pushes, he keeps on pushing. I enjoy that because you always want to be better. He is that type of coach.”
Malan certainly owes Prince a great deal of gratitude.
Where he was once a talented prodigy having played for South Africa Under-19 in the Junior World Cup back in 2008 alongside Proteas Wayne Parnell and Reeza Hendricks, he was drifting along in the Western Province Amateur team before Prince was installed as Cobras coach three seasons ago.
In fact, there was many a semiprofessional game where Malan would bring his books along to the field in order to complete “Plan B”, because his dream of representing the Proteas seemed miles away.
But after taking the opportunity with both hands and continuing to strive to be a better player, Malan could soak in the absorbing atmosphere on the final day instead of being intimidated by it.
“I probably thought it when I was way younger that it’s never going to happen. Life works in funny ways. I sort of reached the point in my life that if it’s gonna happen it will happen and if it doesn’t, it doesn’t.
“That’s not pressure. It is a privilege.
“Pressure is playing a semi-pro game fighting for your career.
“Being out there with the Barmy Army and (James) Anderson running in, it felt like a video game at one stage.
“I felt very privileged to be there fighting for the team, to try and bat long and just be there for the team,” Malan said.