Revamped Reeza Hendricks closer to Test Debut

Reeza Hendricks is all set be the new Test opener for Proteas after showing immense maturity in the longest form of the game at the first class level. He follows the likes of Graeme Smith, Gary Kirsten and Herschelle Gibbs in the coveted position. The 25-year-old batsman, referred to a county season back in 2009 where he played the innings of his life as a nineteen-year-old, to help his side(Eagles), beat a strong, Cape Cobras at the first class level. His innings of 157 in the third innings changed the complexion of that game, as the Eagles set a target of 355 runs for the Cobras, which the Cape Town side failed to chase.

“I was doing pretty well batting at No. 5 or 6, but that season at the Eagles, we had a problem with the opening position because we hadn’t really found someone to put there. One day, Corrie van Zyl, who was our coach at the time, came and asked me if I would give it a try and I said yes. In my first match, I scored 151 so it seemed like a good idea to stay there,” said the batsman from Kimberly.

“The most important thing is to be disciplined and learn to leave well,” he said. “And to be selective about the shots you play.” he added.

Hendricks has regularly done well at the domestic level earning spots in the South African A side and the South African T20 side and now, the South African Test squad.
“I knew that there were opportunities up for grabs and I was working towards it, but I had a bit of doubt in mind over whether I would get picked this time,” Hendricks said. He also expressed that he was indeed surprised by the call-up as he had had a mediocre last season with the Knight after scoring only 540 runs at an average of barely 32.

Also in the reckoning is Cape Cobras batsman, Stiaan van Zyl, a regular No. 3, for the opening berth, as he had a decent last first-class season where he scored 341 runs at 42.62 in five games. He also opened for the Protean A side against the England Lions earlier this summer.