David Bedingham’s decision to ditch plans to qualify for England and return to South Africa has paid off.
The 29-year-old was on Monday included in the Proteas Test squad for the two-match home series against India.
It’s quite the turn of events considering that in January 2022, the Western Province batsman began the process of qualifying to play for England having not been contacted by anyone at Cricket South Africa regarding his future.
At the time, he was the leading run-scorer in the 2021-22 4-Day Domestic Series with 509 runs at an average of 63.62.
However, Bedingham – who represented Durham in the English County Championship – opted to return to WP for the 2023-24 South African domestic season in a bid to be picked by the Proteas.
In three 4-Day Domestic Series innings this season, he has scored 139 runs at an average of 69.50. He also played for South Africa A in their first four-day match against the West Indies A, making 47 and 23.
“I can’t take the smile off my face, humbled and truly grateful for the opportunity and can’t wait to get started,” said Bedingham after his Proteas squad selection. “Situations and circumstances change quickly and am thankful once again for the chance to be involved.”
In December 2016, Bedingham was involved in a serious car accident, which saw him miss a year of cricket. It changed his approach to the game.
“I think since my accident I’ve always told myself to play with a smile on my face and really enjoy every moment so yeah having fun has been the reason for my success,” he said. “Exactly the same as what I’ve tried to do for the past four years, have fun, hopefully smack a couple of fours and sixes and truly enjoy the whole experience.”
Meanwhile, WP fast bowler Nandre Burger has been included in all three Proteas squads for India’s tour of South Africa.
Having been part of the Proteas touring squad to Pakistan in 2022, his progress was disrupted by a string of injuries. But stellar performances for Western Province and the Joburg Super Kings in the SA20 have earned the 28-year-old a recall.
“It’s a massive honour and privilege,” he said. “I’m looking forward to what I can learn and bring to that environment. As a cricketer you always dream about playing for the Proteas.
“Obviously I’ve had a couple of injuries in the last two, three seasons. I don’t think there’s a secret [to his success]. I think it’s just hard work and I’m trying to stay true to myself and do what I think I can do.”
A third uncapped WP player, all-rounder Mihlali Mpongwana, has been included in the Proteas ODI squad.
The 23-year-old produced a Man of the Match performance in this season’s One-Day Cup final, blasting a maiden List A hundred and taking three wickets.
“I am excited and nervous, it’s surreal,” he said. “I didn’t think that [Proteas selection] would ever come this soon. When I look back, I didn’t think I’d be saying that in five years, I’ll potentially be making my debut or in the squad for the Proteas. Its an amazing feeling.”
Mpongwana featured in both of SA A’s matches against the West Indies A, scoring 22 runs in three innings and taking four wickets.
“It’s been a learning curve for me as a young player coming into the SA A set up,” he said. “The level and professionalism is much closer to international standard. Its also good preparation for me going into the India series.”
Photo: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images
