Keegan Petersen is well aware of the pressure that could be mounted on his shoulders as he looks set to make his Test debut for the Proteas against the West Indies in the Caribbean in two weeks’ time.

Captain Dean Elgar recently hinted that Petersen, who has been part of the Proteas set-up before but having not yet made his debut, would most likely fill the gap left by the retired Faf du Plessis.

And although this may be a daunting prospect, the 27-year-old is grateful for the chance to finally make his breakthrough at the highest level.

“We obviously don’t know where it’s going to go in terms of selection but if I get the chance I’d be extremely excited to represent my country,” Petersen said.

“I know I will have big boots to fill and I’ve been nervous for a while now,” he quipped. “Just thinking about it, anyone would be nervous because this is what we dream of as kids.

“Eventually when the dream becomes a reality it kind of gives your system a bit of a shock – [the thought of] you’re finally here and what you’re going to do about it.”

From a personal standpoint, Petersen said it didn’t feel as though he required much patience for this life changing moment to come about.

“It’s been a while, but it doesn’t even feel like it,” he said. “It’s always nice coming into this environment, the next level of professionalism. For me, I wasn’t even getting frustrated with anything.

“It’s just a privilege to be here so whenever I do get a chance in whatever way or form, I’ll be forever grateful.”

Petersen described his cricket journey thus far as having been “up and down”. Having hailed from Paarl, Petersen moved to Bloemfontein to play for the Knights and most recently made the switch to the Durban-based Dolphins. 

“I’ve been part of the first-class system for about eight, nine or 10 years now already. I’ve been around, so for me to get a go in this (Proteas) side would mean a lot because I know where I come from and I know the journey has been long and tough.”

With Petersen remaining in Durban ahead of the new domestic season, where he’ll represent KwaZulu Natal Coastal, he has attributed his personal growth as a cricketer to the franchise since joining them last year.

 “I’ve learnt a lot since being there (Dolphins); it’s expanded my game, while playing in Durban in testing conditions. It has made me a better cricketer and Durban, as well as the Dolphins have been good to me.”

He added that Kingsmead had prepared him for the “worst of conditions”, which includes “slow and turning wickets” because according to him, that’s what was predominantly on show in Durban.

“Whatever I get, I know I’ll be prepared,” Petersen said. “I don’t know the conditions in the West Indies – I’ll have to see – but it won’t be anything new to me.”

Petersen has been a consistent performer in South Africa’s 4-day domestic competition and has been one of the standout batsmen over the last three seasons particularly. 

In the 2018/19 season he was the highest-run scorer in the tournament, having racked up 923 runs at an average of 61.53. In 2019/20 he totalled 232 runs at 38.66, before improving his figures in 2020/21 to score 484 runs at 44.00.

Held in relatively high regard, Petersen said his potential debut later this month would be a somewhat emotional achievement for both him and his family.

“It really means the world to my family for me to just be here. My mom will probably start crying,” he laughed.

“We’re a very close and tight-knit family. My pride is their pride and my tears are their tears so they’re going to feel it with me if I am to make my debut.

“It’s unfortunate that, due to the circumstances, they can’t be there. I’d give the world for them to be there.”

SA is set to kick-off their two-Test campaign against West Indies in St. Lucia on June 10.