MEET THE ROOKIE: CONNOR ESTERHUIZEN

Connor Esterhuizen is as true-blue Joburger as they come.

He attended the prestigious St John's College in Houghton, moved to Wits University before graduating through the ranks of Lions cricket structures to the professional level.

But after Betway SA20 introduced the Rookie category - players aged 22 or under who had not been contracted in the SA20 before - the hard-hitting middle order batter and wicketkeeper, was drafted by MI Cape Town for Season 2.

The move down to Newlands with Table Mountain overlooking the iconic ground  has though been the game-changer Esterhuizen required at this stage of his fledgling career.

“I am originally from Joburg. I grew up in cricket circles since I was days old. It has always been in my family,” Esterhuizen said.

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“Coming from a school like St John's certainly put me in good stead. Blessed to go to a school like that. Had coaches like Wesley Lansdale, Adi Norris, Justin Sammons, and even [New Zealand batter] Devon Conway at some stage. Learning from guys like that every day put me in such a good stead going into my professional career.

“But just being a part of SA20 was an unbelievable experience. It allowed me to soak up everything like a sponge. And get to learn from the best of the best.”

MI Cape Town coach Robin Peterson certainly saw the potential in the Rookie and handed him six starts in Season 2 with Esterhuizen’s best performance of 32 coming in a losing cause against the Paarl Royals in the Western Cape derby at Boland Park.

Esterhuizen was certainly grateful for the opportunity, especially as he was now playing with some of his heroes.

“It was a childhood dream. I told Rassie (van der Dussen) how early on in his career, he threw a pair of pants down, and I have those pants," he said.

"And then the international stars was so special. I was watching them on TV just a couple of years ago, and now in the same environment as them, and it's just awesome to see how they go about their business.

“Definitely been able to connect with the staff and the team. Very nurturing and a family environment. They look after us so very well. You can never ask enough questions and learn as much as possible. Teammates have been unbelievable. There's a great bond.”

Esterhuizen has certainly taken his SA20 Season 2 learnings back to his domestic team, the Lions.

Although limited to just a single innings during the Cricket SA T20 Challenge due to the Lions boasting MI Cape Town's prolific opening pair of Ryan Rickelton and Rassie van der Dussen, Esterhuizen made the most of his chance.

He stroked an attacking 41 not out off just 28 balls against North West to illustrate what a dangerous player he can be.

Esterhuizen will no doubt have plenty of potential suitors from the various franchises once the Season 3 auction comes around.