Earlier this year an ambitious Raynard van Tonder expressed how he wanted to become the number one batsman in the world and there’s no reason why he can’t achieve that feat… if he’s given the sufficient opportunities to do so, writes Marc Jacobson.
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Hunger is very much thriving from within the 22-year-old and that is evident by his on-field performances and off-field commitment.
Van Tonder excelled in the junior ranks for the Proteas U19 outfit from 2016 till 2018, amassing the second-most runs out of any previous South African at that level.
Last season the former Grey College alumnus was in a league of his own with the bat, scoring the most runs in the 4-Day Franchise Series of 843 runs at a sublime average of 70.25.
The current tournament is not much different, with the youngster having top-scored so far with 602 runs at a stellar average of 68.88.
The Titans’ Aiden Markram is nipping at his heels at the top of the chart with 544 runs at 77.71, but the only difference is that Markram got the recognition and was included in the Proteas’ recent Test squad to face Sri Lanka at the end of the month.
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After an exemplary two straight seasons in the red-ball game, Van Tonder sure is a glaring and unlucky snub in the national side.
The youngster hasn’t quite delivered the same level of consistency in the one-day format, but that can still come at a later stage.
For now, especially with the Proteas setting their sights on Test cricket, this upcoming series could’ve been an ideal time for him to make his international breakthrough.
Granted, it’s always good when a number of players are pushing for places in the national side, but Van Tonder’s recent performances cannot be ignored.
Many fans would pose the question, “in whose place will he play?” That’s up for interpretation and debate and where he would fit in the line-up needs to be weighed up.
With stalwart Faf du Plessis coming in at four and Van der Dussen having established himself within the side, it begs the question as to why Petersen was selected ahead of Van Tonder.
Not to undermine Petersen, as he has also performed, having scored 346 runs so far in the 4-day competition at a solid average of 57.66, but Van Tonder has been that little bit more consistent, especially if last season’s statistics also come into account.
What does count in Van Tonder’s favour, though, is his young age which opens the way for many more possibilities in the future, while garnering even more experience both as a cricketer and sports personality.
It’s never too late to flourish at the highest level – look at England’s T20 star Dawid Malan as an example – and Van Tonder still has much in his reserves to showcase what he’s truly capable of.
On top of that, Van Tonder has growing ambitions to excel in all three formats of the game if he strikes the right balance between his composure and mental distribution in all of them. He has what it takes.
By all accounts, the young Free Stater needs to get given the chances and rewards he deserves, before it’s too late. At this moment in time, the Proteas have everything to gain in Van Tonder and a lot to lose if he’s neglected.
What our Test Squad analysis:
