Zubayr Hamza of South Africa during day 3 of the 2nd Castle Lager Test match between South Africa and Pakistan at PPC Newlands on January 05, 2019 in Cape Town, South Africa. (Photo by Shaun Roy/Gallo Images)
When most cricket players graduate to senior and even international level, it’s a safe bet that player would’ve shown a substantial amount of natural if raw talent as a youngster.
Zubayr Hamza isn’t one of those individuals.
As a toddler, his father, Nizaam, was told in no uncertain terms that his son shouldn’t bother playing ball sports because of his clumsiness.
Karate, maybe, but certainly not cricket.
Yet the 23-year-old Cape Cobras star chose to ignore that apparent warning … and on Friday he’s expected to make his Test debut against Pakistan at the Wanderers.
“I’ve heard a lot of stories from my parents,” Hamza said with a chuckle on Wednesday.
“There was one time when I was playing football inside the house and ended up covered in fish oil! When I was growing up, I always enjoyed ball sports.”
In fact, the former Rondebosch Boys High pupil didn’t think he’d be earning his bread and butter as a cricketer.
“I was definitely more into football. But as I grew up, I fell more in love with the red ball,” said Hamza.
It’s been a relatively quick rise for the right-hander, who also has national colours in hockey.
After scoring 828 first-class runs at a fine average of 69 last season, Hamza was picked for South Africa ‘A’ and wasted little time impressing on a difficult tour to India.
Test cricket was the logical next step.
However, in an irony of sorts, Hamza has been selected at a time where his form hasn’t been top notch.
While 329 runs at 36 is decent, those numbers were “saved” by a timely unbeaten 74 after he was called up.
Sceptics will be wary of his suitability to front up against a fine Pakistani bowling attack, but Hamza is – like his pre-school teacher – going to ignore the opinions of others.
“It was disappointing to miss out on the Mzansi Super League, but the month off gave me perspective. I focused on myself and my game,” he said.
“Yes, I haven’t started the season off well, but I don’t feel out of form. I still feel like I’m batting well and have a lot to offer.”
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