Roelofsen ready to hit the big time

DOLPHINS batsman Grant Roelofsen, pictured, said that playing international cricket was a “lifelong dream” during the third episode of Leading Edge with Nick Tatham which was broadcast on the Dolphins Facebook page.

Roelofsen, 23, was one of the top performers in South African franchise cricket last season and has been touted to break into the Proteas team soon.

He was the overall top scorer with the bat in the One Day Cup which the Dolphins won, averaging 65.33, and also scored three centuries in the Four Day Franchise series which was the most out of any player in that format this season.

“I wouldn’t see why I would not cope at that level. I’ve always wanted to be at that level. If I had to play international cricket, I believe that my game would step up to that level, if not rise. It’s the same with every level,” he said.

KZN Inland coach Yusuf Abdullah, who played two T20 international games for the Proteas during his career as a left-arm fast-medium bowler, was also a guest on the show and backed Roelofsen to progress to the international stage.

“There’s a certain difference you can see as a coach. I tested guys with the way I bowled to them and how they played me. When I saw Roelofsen for the first time, I saw that he would play for South Africa. I hope he climbs the ladder quickly and I think he has what it takes to play at that level,” said the 37-year-old.

Before becoming a first-team regular for the Dolphins, Roelofsen spent time with the KZN Inland team which allowed him to hone his craft as a player.

“Those two years were massive. The growth that happened for me personally as well. Everyone wants to play franchise cricket at 18-19, but there’s no substitute for actually being ready. In those two years, I started to understand what it would take to make runs,” he said.

Abudulla, who played Indian Premier League cricket for the Kings XI Punjab, reflected on his first international wicket, which was that of Ricky Ponting.

“Once you start bowling, you forget about everything, including the crowd. You don’t even hear one spectator. Getting Ricky was a big thing for me.”

During the episode, both Roelofsen and Abdulla joked that Dolphins quick bowler Kerwin Mungroo is the funniest guy in their changeroom.