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Proteas all-rounder Corbin Bosch has reflected on what can only be described as a meteoric rise to international stardom in national team colours.
Bosch only made his test match debut in December last year and still only owns one cap to his name, but now finds himself in London as part of the squad that’s set to play the most important test match for the country in recent memory.
In that Boxing Day game against Pakistan, he took a wicket with his very first delivery, and became only the fifth South African to do so, and went on to finish with figures of 4/63, while scoring 81 with the bat to help the team qualify for this all-important match.
Bosch says he was biding his time for the opportunity to come.
"It's been a great up-and-down journey up until now, but I've always remained true to myself, and I've always believed that I belong on the international stage.
"As I said, it's been a tough journey, but this is proof that hard work is rewarded in the end. Staying persistent and holding onto my belief is something that I've always done," said the Proteas all-rounder.
Bosch may have only played one test match, but he says now that he’s tasted international cricket he cannot go back. He spoke of how he prayed for his opportunity since he was a young boy, and plans to grab it with both hands.
Bosch also broke the record for the highest score by a South African number 8 batsman or lower on test debut.
"Once you get a taste of international cricket, you never want enough. Since I was young, I always prayed for the opportunity, and if I'm good enough for the opportunity, I want it, because I don't want a taste of international cricket and then it goes away," explained the talented international.
The Titans player also took time to appreciate the opportunity to play at the most revered cricket ground in the world, where many other South African greats have played before him.
He’ll be hoping for another performance like the one he produced against Pakistan in Centurion to help the Proteas win the World Test Championship final for the first time at a storied venue.
"Lord's is the pinnacle of cricket, a lot of the greats of the game played at Lord's and had their names etched on the honours boards. I will be taking in every single aspect of the venue while I'm there," said an excited Bosch.
The 30-year-old says he’s looking forward to a special occasion, one they’ve had to wait six months for.
The Proteas did play another test match against Pakistan in January, where Bosch did not play, and the all-rounder says he cannot wait to get started as the Baggy Greens match edges closer.
