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Teen seamer again to represent SA

Martin Khumalo is part of the 15-man team that will take on the English in a two-Test youth series.

Eastern Storm fast bowler Martin Khumalo will again represent the country after being selected to the national U19 squad for the upcoming Youth One-Day International (ODI) and Test series.

Khumalo is part of the 15-man team that will face the English in a two-Test youth series. The first match is at the Coetzenburg Cricket Club in Stellenbosch from January 27 to 30, and the second at the Western Cape Cricket Club in Cape Town from February 3 to 6.

The three-match ODI series starts on January 17, with the second fixture two days later. It will conclude with the last match at the Paul Roos Gimnasium in Stellenbosch on January 22.

Martin Khumalo represented the country at last year’s ICC U19 World Cup.

The seamer from Wattville was part of the national U19 side that reached the semi-finals of last year’s ICC U19 World Cup. However, he picked a hamstring injury in SA’s opening fixture against the West Indies when he bowled just 13 balls, which ruled him out of the tournament.

The pacer shared his excitement at being given another opportunity to represent the country, saying he would give it his all.

“I’m very happy to be included in the squad. I’ve always wanted to play in a youth Test series. It’s a different ball game. England is bringing its best players, and we’ve our top players as well. The intensity is different. I’m excited,” he said.

Also Read: #CSAT20Knockout: ‘Britz brilliance’ leads Eastern Storm to final

The 19-year-old has five wickets in five matches for the SA emerging side, taken during the 2023/24 CSA division two provincial one-day challenge and four in five games for the U19 team, which he took during the youth ODI just before the World Cup.

Sharing his experience from the U19 World Cup, Khumalo explained the tournament was the highlight of his young career and helped make his transition to first-class cricket seamless.

“I learnt a lot. I grew up as a player. The intensity was high, and it made it easier for me when I made my senior cricket debut for the Eastern Storm.”

Martin Khumalo in a match for the Eastern Storm.

He took three wickets for Easterns in his four-day match debut against the Limpopo Impalas in November and two in the CSA division two T20 knockout, including one in the final against KZN-Inland at Willowmoore Park in October.

“It will be easier to play because I know what to expect and do. Playing in the four-day series taught me patience. I will give it my best and keep making my supporters proud.”

Khumalo will keep working hard to achieve his goal of playing for the SA A and the Proteas.

Also Read: Khumalo out to make Wattville proud

   

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