Proteas captain Faf du Plessis says Kyle Verreynne is doing “all the right things” as the wicketkeeper-batsman looks to break into international cricket, writes Nasri Alexander.
Du Plessis is now a teammate of Verreynne at the Paarl Rocks and saw the 22-year-old play an innings of maturity against the Nelson Mandela Bay Giants on Sunday to help his MSL franchise secure a home final in this season’s tournament.
Verreynne came to the crease in the 14th over with his team on 107/5 and went on to score an unbeaten 36 off just 20 deliveries to help his side to a total of 168/5 in a match they eventually closed out by 12 runs.
After initially being asked to just carry the drinks at the start of the tournament, Verreynne has come into his own and taken his opportunities when he has been given a chance in the Rocks’ starting XI.
It was his second crucial knock with the willow in the space of eight days as he struck a vital 28 off 18 balls to help his team over the line against the Jozi Stars.
The Cape Cobras gloveman is not the most imposing figure when he walks to the crease but has continuously showed that you do not have to hit huge sixes to be successful in T20 cricket, and that skill set has impressed Du Plessis.
Experienced Proteas allrounder Chris Morris was on the receiving end of Verreynne’s cheeky paddle sweeps at Boland Park on Sunday and the Capetonian finished with a strike-rate of 180.
Speaking after Sunday’s victory, Du Plessis said this about Verreynne: “He is very good. He is a player that hurts you slowly.
“Little jabs, little punches under the table, and he keeps doing it.”
Verreynne has had a stellar last two years with the Cobras, excelling in the first-class arena where he has averaged more than 50 with the bat and is held in high regard by his franchise coach Ashwell Prince.
With Quinton de Kock being touted to give up the gloves in the longest format and move up the batting order, Verreynne could be an option for the Proteas in the upcoming four-match Test series against England.
Having now seen him up close, Du Plessis certainly believes Verreynne has what it takes to play at the highest level.
“When I looked at him I thought red ball cricket was his strength, being a small guy and not lot of power, but he is an extremely smart cricketer,” Du Plessis continued.
“He is an exciting talent for South African cricket. He has done well the last two seasons. I have kept my eye on him and he has done well, especially in the last year.
“He is doing all the right things. We are very fortunate that we have a lot of competition for the second wicketkeeper in the country at the moment.
“He has put his hand up regularly. Rudi Second has done well for a very long time and Heinrich Klaasen is also good cricketer so it is good that there is back-up.”
Photo: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
