Lutho a rough diamond

Ace can’t wait for first wicket for SA

The Proteas have a rough diamond with an abundance of talent in unassuming Lutho Sipamla and he has the potential to develop into a worldclass star in the coming years. 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 South Africa’s frontline bowlers struggling. He stabilised the attack to end with figures of 0/23. He is due to make a second appearance in the final match of the series at SuperSport Park today.

The Proteas are looking to complete a 3-0 series whitewash and Sipamla, pictured, said while he would like to get his first wicket‚ he would not put himself under pressure. “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‚” said the young man who looked up to South African legends Makhaya Ntini and Mfuneko Ngam.

“It will definitely be surreal to get my first wicket and a personal milestone. But hopefully it will help the team to win...

“I have not been thinking too much about the future because my mind at the moment is on the now.” 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 a nervous wreck in the hours leading up to 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 onto the pitch to a full house and knowing that I am realising a childhood dream was an impeccable moment.”

The nerves were there, definitely