World Cup glory beckons for Andile
Phehlukwayo attended Margate Primary where he excelled at all sports.
From the fields of Margate Primary to the hallowed grounds of Lords … that’s how far Gcilima-born Andile Phehlukwayo has come.
He’s been named as part of the Proteas squad of 15 players to take part in the Cricket World Cup in England and Wales from May 30 to July 14.
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Phehlukwayo attended Margate Primary where he excelled at all sports.
From there he went on to Glenwood High in Durban and soon after leaving school made it into the Dolphins team.
The 23 year-old all-rounder will be expected to fill the number seven – or possibly eight – spot in South African line-up, which will play England in the opening game of the cricketing jamboree at The Oval on May 30.
He’ll also be hoping to play in the final at Lord’s on July 14.
His bowling is not outright rapid compared to the likes of Kagiso Rabada, Dale Steyn and Lungi Ngidi.
But he’s arguably one of the more cunning bowlers, with sufficient variety in his armoury to keep even top batsmen guessing.
Phehlukwayo has become an integral part of the attack, and his death-bowling skills will give captain Faf du Plessis options at the end of the innings.
While some players want to hide when the heat is really on, that’s when Phehlukwayo is often at his very best.
Commentators have often remarked on his calm temperament and seemingly unflappable nature.
They’ve also said he has an uncanny knack of picking up wickets.
He has repeatedly said he likes to bowl at the end … no doubt this World Cup will give him that opportunity.
Phehlukwayo may not be the fastest in the field, but he’s steady under the high ball and seldom spills catches.
There have been some questions over his ability to bat at number seven.
It’s not so much his skill that’s in doubt, but his application in a tough situation if early wickets fall.
He’s such a naturally talented player that he sometimes cannot resist going for a big hit when the situation doesn’t always require it.
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His best position is probably at eight, where he can be more free to open the shoulders, but selection balance may not allow for this.
In some ways, Phehlukwayo fits a Klusener mould – bowls right-arm medium quick and forms part of a four-man pace battery; and bats left-handed, down the order and is capable of not just clearing the ropes, but bashing it out of the stadium.
The Proteas squad is:
Quinton de Kock, Aiden Markram, Hashim Amla, Faf du Plessis (c), Rassie van de Dussen, David Miller, JP Duminy, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dwaine Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Dale Steyn, Anrich Nortjé, Lungi Ngidi, Imran Tahir and Tabraiz Shamsi.
There Herald will be producing a World Cup feature closer to the time.
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