Maharaj credits new Proteas players for standout performances
All-rounder Corbin Bosch, seen here with Proteas fans in London last month, was superb in the second Test of his career against Zimbabwe. Picture: Paul Harding/Proteas captain Keshav Maharaj was pleased to see the newer members of the national squad standing up, as they coasted to a convincing 328-run victory over Zimbabwe in the first of two Tests in Bulawayo on Tuesday.
Fresh off their win against Australia in the World Test Championship final last month, South Africa rested some senior players (including regular captain Temba Bavuma) for the two-Test series against the minnows, providing opportunities for less experienced players.
And some of them delivered in spectacular fashion, playing key roles in giving the Proteas a 1-0 series lead.
Teenager Lhuan-dre Pretorius made a century on debut, hitting 153 in South Africa's first innings, while 30-year-old Corbin Bosch, playing only his second Test, also compiled his first century (100 not out). And Bosch went on to take 5/43 in Zimbabwe's second innings to close out an impressive all-round performance with bat and ball.
Lhuan-dre Pretorius, seen in action for the Titans, made his Test debut against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo. Picture: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images
'Making them feel comfortable'
'For us as a team, obviously a lot of the regulars aren't here, but when the youngsters come in it's about making them feel very welcome and feel comfortable to be themselves which is something we always encourage in the environment,' Maharaj said.
'And naturally the mentality of where we want to go with our cricket and the brand of cricket we want to play just filters through them.
'So I think that was the main thing, to make them feel comfortable and allow them to just be the best versions of themselves.'
Bosch flaunts his skills
While Pretorius was named Man of the Match for scoring a century in his first Test innings, Maharaj was also delighted with Bosch, who helped them lay the foundation for the win and then carried them over the line.
'Corbin has just come into our environment and he's settled in very well. He possesses a lot of skill – not many can bowl 140km/h and bat the way he does – so I'm happy,' the skipper said.
'He works really hard on his game, he trusts his skill, he backs himself, and it's so nice to see everything come together for him.'
The second of two Tests between South Africa and Zimbabwe starts in Bulawayo on Sunday.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Citizen
8 hours ago
- The Citizen
Maharaj credits new Proteas players for standout performances
Test rookies Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Corbin Bosch both hit centuries in SA's first innings, and Bosch went on to take 5/43 in Zimbabwe's second innings. All-rounder Corbin Bosch, seen here with Proteas fans in London last month, was superb in the second Test of his career against Zimbabwe. Picture: Paul Harding/Proteas captain Keshav Maharaj was pleased to see the newer members of the national squad standing up, as they coasted to a convincing 328-run victory over Zimbabwe in the first of two Tests in Bulawayo on Tuesday. Fresh off their win against Australia in the World Test Championship final last month, South Africa rested some senior players (including regular captain Temba Bavuma) for the two-Test series against the minnows, providing opportunities for less experienced players. And some of them delivered in spectacular fashion, playing key roles in giving the Proteas a 1-0 series lead. Teenager Lhuan-dre Pretorius made a century on debut, hitting 153 in South Africa's first innings, while 30-year-old Corbin Bosch, playing only his second Test, also compiled his first century (100 not out). And Bosch went on to take 5/43 in Zimbabwe's second innings to close out an impressive all-round performance with bat and ball. Lhuan-dre Pretorius, seen in action for the Titans, made his Test debut against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo. Picture: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images 'Making them feel comfortable' 'For us as a team, obviously a lot of the regulars aren't here, but when the youngsters come in it's about making them feel very welcome and feel comfortable to be themselves which is something we always encourage in the environment,' Maharaj said. 'And naturally the mentality of where we want to go with our cricket and the brand of cricket we want to play just filters through them. 'So I think that was the main thing, to make them feel comfortable and allow them to just be the best versions of themselves.' Bosch flaunts his skills While Pretorius was named Man of the Match for scoring a century in his first Test innings, Maharaj was also delighted with Bosch, who helped them lay the foundation for the win and then carried them over the line. 'Corbin has just come into our environment and he's settled in very well. He possesses a lot of skill – not many can bowl 140km/h and bat the way he does – so I'm happy,' the skipper said. 'He works really hard on his game, he trusts his skill, he backs himself, and it's so nice to see everything come together for him.' The second of two Tests between South Africa and Zimbabwe starts in Bulawayo on Sunday.
The Citizen
10 hours ago
- The Citizen
A cricketer at heart turns into bowls prodigy
Riccardo Scarola (12) is a passionate cricket player who recently expanded his sporting horizons by trying bowls, and the gamble paid off. His dedication and talent in the sport earned him a bronze medal at the Gauteng Open U15 Bowls Tournament held at Wingate in Pretoria on June 28 to 29. Riccardo shared his excitement about the achievement. 'Very chuffed on getting a medal again, following my silver medal from last year, so I'm hoping for gold in 2026.' Also read: Potjie cookout at Bryanston Sports Club Riccardo said his journey into bowls started unexpectedly. 'We used to frequent Morningside Country Club for cricket practice at the nets, and my Dad and I thought to give bowls a go one day. We enjoyed it very much.' Since then, Riccardo has embraced the sport, finding new joy and camaraderie in every game. A memorable highlight was winning his section and performing well in the semi-finals at Wingate. 'Winning my section and having a good game in the semi-final was the biggest highlight of the tournament. And I would like to thank Wingate Bowls for being so welcoming to us all.' Also read: Proteas men shine as South Africa celebrates ICC World Test Championship victory Playing alongside cricket legend Gerry Baker, whom Riccardo admires greatly, was also a special moment. 'I was a little sick for a week before, so my preparation wasn't the best, but I rolled a few times and had an internal pairs match with Gerry Baker, which was awesome to play with,' he said. 'Gerry Baker has been the most influential to me in bowls. Listening and learning from him at Morningside is great to have,' Riccardo added. Riccardo said he didn't encounter any challenges because he loves to be challenged. Also read: Glamorous evening honours Lions Cricket's best and brightest 'I play a lot of cricket, and that's my main sport. I'm only 12, so perhaps being one of the youngest makes it a little difficult, but I love the challenge and try to play bowls and not the man or girl.' Looking ahead, Riccardo's focus remains on enjoying the game and improving his skills rather than chasing immediate titles. 'My cricket comes first, and then bowls. I don't have any big ambitions, just enjoying and playing my best. I'd like to do well in the open men's category starting on July 12.' Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts! At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
IOL News
11 hours ago
- IOL News
Bosch, Mulder and Pretorius star as Proteas crush Zimbabwe
South Africa's Corbin Bosch took his first Test five-for on Tuesday, against Zimbabwe, as the Proteas cruised to victory against their hosts. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix The Proteas made light work of Zimbabwe in the first Test match at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, beating the hosts by a mammoth 328 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. In the absence of the big guns, including the injured captain Temba Bavuma and the rested Kagiso Rabada, Aiden Markram, Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton and Marco Jansen, the Proteas Test squad proved too strong for Zimbabwe. All-rounder Corbin Bosch (5/43) led from the front with the ball on Tuesday, claiming four of the nine wickets South Africa needed to wrap up the match. The 30-year-old went on to register his maiden Test five-wicket haul in just his second appearance, making a strong case for himself as a genuine all-rounder. Debutant Codi Yusuf was also instrumental in the morning session on day four, with the right-arm quick taking three wickets to finish with six in the match. Stand-in captain Keshav Maharaj played the holding role with excellence, allowing the quicks to rotate from the opposite end. The spinner returned figures of 1/71 in 24 overs, while Dewald Brevis took the final wicket to help South Africa seal the win — despite a fighting batting partnership between Zimbabwe captain Craig Ervine (49) and Wellington Masakadza (57). The victory was set up brilliantly by Proteas number three Wiaan Mulder, who struck his first Test century at the new position. "New position batting at three, and to see him take the opportunity with both hands, I'm really happy and pleased for him," said Maharaj. "And to see him putting in the bowling display—it just shows why he's part and parcel of our starting XI." Debutant Lhuan-dre Pretorius' 153 in the first innings was also instrumental, alongside Bosch's maiden century and Brevis' maiden half-century. Maharaj highlighted how quickly the trio has settled into international cricket. "Happy to see the signs from the youngsters coming through the system and just how they fit in so well within our team environment," he said. "I've had my eye on Pretorius since the SA20, and he's just not looked back from the performances he's put in — T20, 50-overs and the longer formats. He's a mature young lad, although he's young. "To see how he goes about his business in pressure situations is really encouraging. Another young guy in Brevis — to see how long he hits the ball and the time that he has when he bats is second to none. Not many youngsters come into our system and play with the freedom that he does. "Then you've got a youngster in Kwena Maphaka leading our bowling attack, bowling with express heat — so, there are good signs for us, and hopefully, with more match practice, they become regulars within our team. "Someone like Bosch — he's new to the international scene but he's fitted like a glove. I'm so happy for him, he's a deep thinker, and to see him conquer both facets in this Test match is special." Zimbabwe v South Africa scorecard First Test, day 4 SOUTH AFRICA first innings: 418/7 declared Lhuan-dre Pretorius 153; Tanaka Chivanga 4/83 ZIMBABWE first innings: 251 all out Sean Williams 137; Wiaan Mulder 4/50 SOUTH AFRICA secodn innings: 369 all out Wiaan Mulder 147; Wellington Masakadza 4/98 ZIMBABWE secodn innings: 208 all out Wellington Masakadza 57; Corbin Bosch 5/43 South Africa won by 328 runs.
