Mom in tears as Dala picked for Proteas
BEATRICE Dala struggled to control her emotions after she was told her son had done enough to convince the Cricket South Africa (CSA) selectors to name him in the Proteas T20 squad to play India in three home T20 matches.
As soon as he got off the phone with CSA selectors convener Linda Zondo‚ Titans fast bowler Junior Dala rang his mother to give her the good news and tell her he would make his debut against India this week.
The unexpected news was too much for Beatrice.
“My mom started crying when I told her the news‚” Dala said after the squad was announced, confirming him as the 14th Titans player chosen to play for South Africa in the last eight years.
“It has been 10 years of hard work from my side and she gave me unconditional support during this time.
“It [will] be a big day for my family – that’s how much it means to her and me.”
Dala has had to overcome a spate of injuries that frustrated him at times, and he said the call-up was his reward for never giving up.
“It feels great considering all those injuries I suffered along the way‚” he said. “To get that phone call from Linda Zondi meant a lot to me.
“I didn’t really know what to do with myself for a while after the phone call, but I guess it will sink in with time.
“This is indeed a proud moment for me and my family and I will give my best if selected by the coach.”
He is one of three players in line for their debuts in the T20 series, with Warriors hitman Christiaan Jonker and his wicketkeeper/batsman and teammate Heinrich Klaasen.
Dala was chosen after impressive performances for the Titans‚ where he has taken 71 List A wickets after 55 matches since he debuted in 2012‚ and for South Africa A.
He has credited his rising stock to Titans coach Mark Boucher and captain Albie Morkel, who have helped him to improve his game.
“The coach has never put pressure on me‚” he said.
“He has always encouraged me to go out and do what I do and make sure I have the same attitude and aggressive mindset.
“I have to credit Albie as well because, even in ODIs, he just says I must not worry about the run rate because my job is to strike.
“So I do go for boundaries but that’s within our game plan. “I am willing to sacrifice economy because it’s about the team coming first.
“I have developed variations. I bowl a lot of slower balls, but the most important thing for me is to commit to every ball.
“I am there to ruin the batsmen’s party and if I get hit for four or six‚ the next ball just becomes the most important‚” he said. – TimesLIVE