Cricket

Big shoes to fill: Fortuin eager to take advantage of Maharaj’s absence



Given a golden alternative, with a gap having fashioned within the nationwide limited-overs cricket squad, spin bowler Bjorn Fortuin hopes to give you the chance to take advantage and totally launch his worldwide 50-over profession if he’s given a possibility to play for South Africa in opposition to the West Indies within the ODI sequence beginning in East London on Thursday.

Though he has performed three ODI matches for the Proteas, Fortuin has struggled to cement his spot within the SA facet over the previous couple of years.

He has, nonetheless, supplied a sign of his potential to carry out on the highest stage by taking 14 profession wickets in 13 T20 Internationals at a mean of 19.28.

He has additionally showcased his kind by ending in a tie for fifth place within the record of highest wicket-takers within the current inaugural SA20 competitors, whereas showcasing his potential with the bat by hitting his fourth profession first-class century not too long ago for the Lions within the CSA 4-Day Series.

A uncommon probability

Now, with veteran spinner Keshav Maharaj lacking from the ODI sequence in opposition to the West Indies whereas nursing a ruptured Achilles tendon (which requires surgical procedure and can sideline him for an prolonged interval of time), Fortuin hopes to give you the chance to shine within the absence of his esteemed compatriot.

“I wouldn’t say my name is set in stone in any way. There is still a lot of cricket to be played (before the final SA squad is selected for the World Cup in October) but the spot that’s been opened puts the responsibility on me now,” Fortuin mentioned.

“Losing Keshav, that’s a high standard that needs to be filled, but I just try and take it day by day and focus on the job at hand.”

ALSO READ: SA v West Indies: Five gamers to watch

Fortuin hoped to rework his home outcomes into advantageous kind for each himself and the nationwide staff, and whereas the 28-year-old left-arm spinner was eager to shine with the ball for the Proteas, he additionally needed to make an impression with the bat.

“There have been quite a few performances I’ve been proud of this season, and I’m just trying to build on whatever I do – where it’s not up to standard, trying to improve on that, and where it is, just seeing where I can raise the bar,” he mentioned.

“Looking back over the last season, not only do I take a lot of confidence from my performances with the Paarl Royals, but with my domestic side the Lions as well.”

Having received a two-match Test sequence 2-0 in opposition to the West Indies on dwelling soil, South Africa will host the vacationers in three ODI matches beginning this weekend.


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