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SA20 EXPLOITS EARN PRETORIUS, RUBIN HERMANN MAIDEN PROTEAS T20I CALL-UPS
Paarl Royals duo Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Rubin Hermann have been rewarded for their outstanding Betway SA20 performances with maiden call-ups to the Proteas T20I squad for the upcoming Tri-Series in Zimbabwe.
Pretorius was South Africa’s premier domestic T20 competition’s leading batter in Season 3 with the teenager smashing 397 runs at an average of 33.08 and strike-rate of 166.81 at the top of the order for the Royals.
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He has since followed it up with consistent performances for Hampshire in England’s T20 Blast and is currently in Zimbabwe where he is being lined up for a Proteas Test debut.
Rubin’s rise to prominence has been equally prolific over the last six months. But unlike Pretorius who is a teenage prodigy, the stylish left-hander is a late bloomer who took full advantage of his first Betway SA20 opportunity earlier this year.
After sitting on the sidelines and supporting his younger brother, Sunrisers Eastern Cape’s Jordan Hermann for the first two seasons, the Royals picked up Rubin for the base auction price of R175 000 heading into the Season 3.
Rubin Hermann had an impressive debut Betway SA20 campaign for Paarl Royals, scoring 333 runs including three fifties
Rubin hit the ground running immediately with a 33-ball 56 in a 125-run stand with Englishman Joe Root on his Betway SA20 debut at Boland Park.
He added a further two half-centuries, closing out the competition as the fifth highest run-scorer with 333 runs at an average of 41.63 and strike-rate of 128.08, to lift the Royals to a third consecutive playoff spot.
“Lhuan-dré and Rubin have been rewarded for their outstanding domestic form in the SA20 and we’re excited to see how they adapt to the demands of international cricket,” said Proteas coach Shukri Conrad.
MI Cape Town fast bowler Corbin Bosch and Pretoria Capitals allrounder Senuran Muthusamy have also been handed maiden T20I call-ups.
Bosch played a leading role in MI Cape Town winning their first-ever Betway SA20 championship title last season with 11 wickets at an average of 17.36 and economy at 8.68.
“We know what Corbin has to offer at this level and we are keen to see how his Test and ODI skills will translate to the T20I arena.
“Having three quality spin options gives us a great deal of variety, especially in conditions like Harare. Senuran has been impressive in the domestic setup and his ability to contribute with the bat adds great balance to the squad.”
Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Rubin Hermann, Corbin Bosch and Senuran Muthusamy have earned first time Proteas T20I call-ups.
Joburg Super Kings fast bowling pair Gerald Coetzee and Nandre Burger also return to the national fold after missing Season 3 due to injury. Coetzee returned to fitness in the IPL a couple of months ago, while Burger is currently playing Major League Cricket in the United States of America for Texas Super Kings.
MI Cape Town’s Rassie van der Dussen will captain the Proteas T20 team in the absence of the rested Aiden Markram.
“Rassie has led the side before and brings experience to the role, while providing valuable support to the younger players on this tour,” concluded Conrad.
Proteas Squad - T20I Tri-series against Zimbabwe and New Zealand
Rassie van der Dussen (captain, MI Cape Town), Corbin Bosch (MI Cape Town), Dewald Brevis (MI Cape Town), Nandre Burger (Joburg Super Kings), Gerald Coetzee (Joburg Super Kings), Reeza Hendricks (MI Cape Town), Rubin Hermann (Paarl Royals), George Linde (MI Cape Town), Kwena Maphaka (Paarl Royals), Senuran Muthusamy (Pretoria Capitals), Lungi Ngidi (Paarl Royals), Nqaba Peter (Paarl Royals), Lhuan-dré Pretorius (Paarl Royals), Andile Simelane (Sunrisers Eastern Cape).
