Jordan Hermann lauds family support after dream ODI debut

Hermann became the 20th player to record an ODI hundred on debut, and ended on 150 runs – the joint highest ODI score on debut alongside Matthew Breetzke’s knock against New Zealand last year.

He says having both his parents and girlfriend present at the Namibia Cricket Ground in Windhoek as they won by 99 runs made the occasion all the more special to him.

"No, it's not incredibly special; my girlfriend was also here. I believe she's a bit of a good luck charm, so it was really nice. My mom and dad were also here, so it was incredibly special for them, and not only for them but for me as well, " said Hermann.

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"For the hours they've put in, my mom being the psychologist and my dad being the coach my whole life as well. So, yeah, I am incredibly grateful for the role they played in my life, and I am pretty sure they are very chuffed with two of their sons, and their other son is also doing very well for himself."

The 24-year-old says he’s had to wait to make his entrance into the ODI space and it felt good to do that with a big score. He says while the century was a major milestone for him, he still wanted to keep going to help the team get into a comfortable position.

South Africa posted 348/6 having been put in to bat first, and Hermann believes it was a good score on a tricky wicket. He’s hoping they can better that in the second match on Friday.

He shared a key 190-run second wicket partnership with Tony de Zorzi, who posted 72 runs for his third ODI half ton. Hermann says de Zorzi has faced unfair criticism at times, and highlighted his importance to the team.