A new horizon has arrived for a North West Dragons stalwart who has elevated his game to new heights this past season.

Dwaine Pretorius started his climb to the top at Senwes Park as a young fresh-faced cricketer and has now blossomed towards the ultimate Protea prize with his inclusion into the South Africa A squad.

The current Bizhub Lions all-rounder has impressed selectors and pundits all round with his competitive spirit and never-say-die attitude with bat or ball in hand – a player for any situation, one could say.

“This is another opportunity to go closer towards my ultimate Protea dream. I enjoy the role of an all-rounder and I believe I can add value with bat and ball as it is expected of me,” said Pretorius.

In this day and age, cricketers are expected to perform in pressure situations, especially in T20 and limited overs cricket where a few sixes or a crucial wicket can completely change the course of the match.

“I definitely like the pressure situations. I perform at my best when I know what is expected at that moment. Those situations always bring out the best in  me,” said Pretorius in the buildup to the series.

The talented all-rounder believes that Riaan Nieuwoudt and the current North West Dragons head coach, Monty Jacobs, have had a big hand in his cricket development.

“Monty gave me the opportunity to enjoy the game and play naturally with freedom. That mindset has helped me to play my best cricket. One of my biggest highlights was hitting my first century for North West,” said Pretorius who made his first-class debut for North West in 2011.

Pretorius has also represented the SA u.19 team and the SA emerging players’ squads but reckons he currently has the best chance to get a call-up to the international arena.

“The best thing for the series against Zimbabwe and Australia will be to focus on my own game. It is important to develop and improve on your own skills and to bring that to the table,” said the big- hitting cricketer.

South Africa A four-day squad for Zimbabwe (July 7 to 19): Stephen Cook (bizhub Highveld Lions, captain), Qaasim Adams, Theunis de Bruyn, Heino Kuhn, Sisanda Magala, Keshav Maharaj, Duanne Olivier, Andile Phehlukwayo, Vernon Philander, Dane Piedt, Dwaine Pretorius (bizhub Highveld Lions), Omphile Ramela, Stiaan van Zyl, Dane Vilas, Hardus Viljoen (bizhub Highveld Lions)

South Africa A one-day squad for the triangular in Australia (August 13 to September 4): Wayne Parnell (captain), Qaasim Adams, Marchant de Lange, Reeza Hendricks (bizhub Highveld Lions), Heino Kuhn, Eddie Leie (bizhub Highveld Lions), Sisanda Magala, Aaron Phangiso (bizhub Highveld Lions), Andile Phehlukwayo, Dwaine Pretorius (bizhub Highveld Lions), Rilee Rossouw, Malusi Siboto, Khaya Zondo, David Miller and Dane Vilas.