Daryn Dupavillon expresses his desire to bowl as fast as he can and takes us back to what he humbly calls a “shock” Proteas debut against Australia, writes Abhai Sawkar.
Early last month, the Proteas secured a 3-0 sweep in the home ODI series against Australia.
After a tough start to 2020, South Africa rounded off the home summer with confidence, especially when newcomers and returning players were quick to take the initiative.
After a gutsy performance with the bat in the second ODI from Janneman Malan and Heinrich Klaasen, the series win was complete. With that being said, there was a bit more freedom to invest in another highly rated newcomer – the Dolphins fast bowler Daryn Dupavillon.
Having taken 8 wickets in the first four Momentum One-Day Cup games, Dupavillon was in pretty encouraging form. But considering the fact that he was a bit of a left-field choice (he’s only played 24 games in 50-over cricket, which is less than half of his tally in first-class cricket), hearing about the Proteas call-up was in many ways a pleasant surprise.
More importantly, when Dupavillon was confirmed to debut at Senwes Park, it was a big occasion to take full advantage of. Naturally, it was a little bit of a nervous start, especially when he was bowling to Steve Smith in his first over.
His second ball went to the boundary but thereafter, he impressed with his skiddy and searing pace. The much-coveted moment finally came when Aaron Finch popped a catch to David Miller at cover – Dupavillon’s first wicket in international cricket is that of the Australian skipper. He bowled 6 overs but conceded a total of just 20 runs. For a first-timer, this is quite an exceptional beginning.
“It came as quite a shock to be honest,” says Dupavillon. “I had gotten the call the day after a Dolphins game against the Lions where I probably didn’t have my best of games so I wasn’t really feeling too great about that,” said Dupavillon to Cricket Fanatics Magazine.
“I was actually playing golf with some of the Dolphins guys when I got the call and I think they could all see the shock and emotion I went through in those 5-10 minutes after the call.
“It all happened really quickly the next 24 hours, which probably wasn’t a bad thing as I didn’t get the opportunity to really overthink anything! It was an incredibly emotional weekend and quite honestly just having that little taste has made me want to play a lot more international cricket!”
A naturally pugnacious bowler known for his out-and-out pace, Dupavillon enjoyed watching some of the best South African and Australian bowlers during his early days.
In fact, he evokes fond memories when he hustles to the crease with his whippy action and consistency. He’s done a commendable job in his first dig, and there’s plenty more in store.
“Growing up I really loved watching Brett Lee, Shaun Pollock, Lance Klusener and Glenn McGrath bowl! All legends of the game and all inspiring in their own way,” he continued.
“As the years went on, Dale Steyn and Mitchell Johnson took over as my two favourite fast bowlers! The way they channel their aggression and pride through their bowling is something I felt I always tend to try to emulate. It’s so exciting watching such aggressive and skilled fast bowling!”
Dupavillon brings plenty to the table, and without a doubt, has been exciting to watch. His recipe for performing on a consistent basis is relatively clear-cut – pace is his strongest suit and has fetched him copious success in first-class cricket. His level of concentration remains rigid, regardless of the situation.
“In terms of a strategy or on-field approach, I try to stay away from overcomplicating things. Every time I bowl, it’s at 100% intensity and I really love to just bowl fast.
“So yeah, I try to keep it simple when it comes to plans. And then I concentrate hard on making sure my intensity is up for every ball and that every ball I bowl I’m committed to bowling the fastest I can!”
Dupavillon also took part for the first time in last year’s Mzansi Super League, playing for his home franchise, the Durban Heat.
While he might’ve spent the early part of the tournament on the sidelines due to injury, he eventually did get a game against the Paarl Rocks. He bowled two overs, but the time spent alongside and against Proteas and international marquee players was memorable.
“The MSL was such an incredible experience! Unfortunately, a large portion of our games were rained out which I think could have been a great competitive campaign but being around such top calibre players was really incredible and being able to learn through Gary Kirsten was unbelievably beneficial,” he said.
“I went into the MSL with a small niggle so unfortunately wasn’t available for the first 3 games but when I did get onto the park – honestly it was such an awesome experience, a sold-out Boland Park in an absolute belter of a game! It was awesome. All in all, an absolutely incredible learning experience.”
It’s been a home summer of crests and troughs for the speedster, but at the same time, it was a reasonably good season by his standards. He took 14 wickets in 6 first-class games, and the climactic part came towards the business end.
Injuries, at times, were a threat, but Dupavillon played through much of the season without much concern. With a strong showing on international debut under his belt, it’s more than evident that the next aim is to build on and capitalize on an already well-set platform.
“It’s been quite a strange domestic season for me, I felt it was a very up and down kind of season in terms of my own performances but as a team, we all bought into the different roles that we had to play and I feel I did well in regards to that.
“Being my first full season back into franchise cricket I kind of felt like I eased my way in a bit. But after getting through the season, injury-free – I feel ready to make my mark in franchise cricket again and hopefully perform as I have done in years previous to this!”
At the moment, the country is under lockdown due to the coronavirus threat, which also brought the domestic season to an abrupt end.
However, the recent events haven’t deterred Dupavillon from maintaining a consistent fitness regimen.
In fact, his plan B is apt and fitting given the circumstances. It might be the off-season, but maintaining good shape is wealth at this point in time. Keeping fit will definitely vivify the dreary times.
“I’m staying with my girlfriend’s family during this lockdown and they actually have a gym on their property so I’ve been very fortunate that I have a facility where I can still train and maintain my strength and fitness work!
“So I’ve just continued with my normal strength work in the gym and then am luckily enough to have a large amount of space here to do my running work too.”
Dupavillon has been toiling away in indefatigable fashion in domestic cricket, and now the ODI debut has not only been a revelation, but it’s also been a pivotal and motivating factor for him, too.
“I haven’t quite put any goals or plans in place at this point for the next season but as I said earlier – getting a taste of international cricket has definitely ignited a fire and given me a need for more so I’ll be staying in South Africa for the offseason working closely with the Dolphins and CSA coaching staff to be ready for hopefully any cricket that happens during the off-season and most definitely for the following season.”
The Proteas have a track record of potency in the fast-bowling department, and Dupavillon has been a handy find. His performance against a team that made it to the World Cup semifinals last year is suggestive of plenty potential.
They might still be in a transition phase, but things are gradually beginning to fall in place towards the end of the home season.
Dupavillon’s abundant experience as well as respectable returns in first-class cricket hint at an impending Test debut in the not-too-distant future.
It’s a testament that the rising youngsters are determined to ensure that it’s onwards and upwards for the Proteas.
Just prior to Dupavillon’s debut, another young player, opening batsman Janneman Malan, put together a well-composed century to help ace a tricky chase at Bloemfontein.
Dupavillon’s hunger and aspiration for more opportunities to thrive at the highest level are a harbinger for more positive times in the future. Looking back at the 2019 World Cup campaign, there has been appreciable progress in ODIs, and rewarding those that have consistently excelled at domestic level has been fruitful.
Photo: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
