Senuran Muthusamy is aiming to soak up information around him after his call up to the Proteas Test side, writes Nabeelah Fakier.
Many fans may have been surprised by the selection of Dolphins all-rounder Senuran Muthusamy to the Proteas Test squad for their upcoming tour in India.
A true stalwart of the game, the left-arm spinner and left-handed batsman’s call up to the Test side is nothing less than a deserved one – having made telling contributions for the Dolphins with bat and ball, impressive performances in the 4-Day Franchise competition and almost cleaning up at the Dolphins 2017/18 awards.
Muthusamy and Rudi Second (who is injured and has been replaced by Heinrich Klaasen) received their maiden Protea call ups, along with Anrich Nortje.
“I was really happy to be rewarded with a Test Call up. I’m looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead,” Muthusamy said exclusively to Cricket Fanatics Magazine.
“I was really excited by the response of my close friends and family, to whom I am really grateful for their continued support. It means a helluva lot to me to be recognized after years of hard work and persistence in our franchise system.”
The 25-year-old is excited about the prospect of making his debut and particularly keen to soak up the knowledge on offer.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing the way international cricketers prepare for Test matches and the way that they think about the game,” he continued.
“I’m looking forward to learning from those around me as well as those in the opposition. I hope to grow my game and knowledge of the game.
“The goal is to follow the processes in order to play competitive cricket and hopefully beat India in India which is always a great challenge,” he added. “I also hope to be afforded the opportunity to make my Test debut.”
Muthusamy will have some familiar faces on tour with him – Keshav Maharaj, who plays for the Dolphins and is regarded as the Proteas’ No 1 Test spinner.
“I have a good partnership with Keshav at the Dolphins and we bounce ideas off each other so I’m certainly looking forward to bowling with him at Test level.”
With regards to his batting, Muthusamy backs himself fully.
“I enjoy batting anywhere in the middle order,” he said confidently. “I look forward to being tested against the spinning and reverse-swinging ball.
Muthusamy has represented SA A before, on a tour of India and has an idea what to expect regarding the conditions.
“Like I mentioned earlier batting in the middle order in the sub-continent can be tricky. As the pitch gets worn, the ball starts to spin more and reverse swing can be a major factor.”
Muthusamy is currently in Bangalore, India, as part of a 15-man squad for a spin camp ahead of the SA A side and Proteas’ respective series’ against India.
This could prove to Enoch Nkwe that he deserves a starting spot in the Test XI.
“The spin camp is an opportunity to set my base for a two-month tour (first with the SA A team then the Test match team),” he continued.
“It will help me find suitable game plans against spin and I hope to find my processes which will help me score runs.
“From a bowling perspective, I will try to bowl a little bit fuller and straighter than what I usually bowl In South Africa. I will work on my consistency in these conditions as well.
“I think that there are many top International cricketers currently playing for the Proteas, so it will be great to be able to chat cricket with them.”
Photo: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
