THE Proteas’ tour of the West Indies will offer an opportunity to make early inroads in the World Test Championship, but behind the prized championship also lies an opportunity to create depth and healthy competition in the squad.
The absence of regular all-rounder Marco Jansen has offered Wiaan Mulder a golden opportunity to add on to his 12 Test caps.
The 26-year-old’s selection as the only genuine all-rounder in the squad could be an indication that he is in line to make the team when the first Test gets underway at the Queens Park Oval in Trinidad and Tobago in less than two weeks.
The biggest hope for both Mulder and South Africa will be for the all-rounder to finally deliver on the promise and the potential he has shown over the years
You could also argue that he has not been given an extended run in the side, with his previous call-ups to help him settle into a good rhythm and showcase his abilities.
Mulder has scored a total of 4024 first-class runs at an average of 35.29, with a high score of 235 not out for Leicestershire in the County Championship in 2022. He has also picked up 185 wickets in 78 first-class matches, underlining his balance with bat and ball.
Jansen, on the other hand, has played 13 Test matches and has shown his abilities with the bat, but it is his 49 wickets in as many matches that has him in pole position for the all-rounder’s position, and Mulder needs to have a tour of note to unsettle him.
“To represent my country is an incredible honour,” Mulder said.
“I had a really good season back home, all-round with bat and ball. I have been in England and I have been playing competitive four-day cricket over there.
“I was in the squad the last time we were in the Caribbean, but whether I would get an opportunity to play, I wasn’t sure. But I had a chance to at least be in the team and get a chance to learn. I have also been to a couple of Twenty20 tours as well.
“Representing your country, no matter which format, is an incredible opportunity, it’s a part of my career I cherish a lot, it was a childhood dream for me, and every opportunity I get to play for my country is an honour.”
Mulder played a huge role in the Lions winning the domestic four-day competition earlier this year and he hopes to bring all his all-round skills should he be afforded a chance.
“Going to the West Indies is always a difficult tour, I have never been to Trinidad or Guyana. Trinidad is most certainly not the easiest place to have a bat, so I think the whole team and myself have to be prepared for tricky conditions and we know we will have to be at our best,” said Mulder.
“It will all be based on conditions; some conditions suit you more as a bowler and sometimes as a batter, you have to find a way to see through tough phases.
“Generally, I try to contribute with both bat and ball. I wouldn’t want to be labelled with either and I always try to contribute evenly in both areas.”