‘The past week has been very emotional. Wednesday was 11 months to the day that I had [shoulder] surgery and today is the 13 month-anniversary of my girlfriend, Misha Torien, and I,’ Piedt said.

Piedt (25) made his Test debut against Zimbabwe in 2014 after capturing 45 Sunfoil series wickets in the 2013/2014-season. He captured 8-152 on Test debut, but his winter of hope turned into a summer of despair when he fell badly on his shoulder and needed surgery.

His return to first-class cricket was unspectacular, as he took 1-187 against the England Lions, 3-100 against the same foe and 0-104 against the Chevrolet Knights.

‘At the end of last season, I was thinking I would never play for South Africa again. I just could not land the ball where I wanted it,’ he said.

The self-doubt was excruciating, but the work in the off-season paid off handsomely. On the SA A tour to India, he captured 11 wickets in the two four day games. ‘It was about control, consistency and having a set plan against each batsman’ he said.

Piedt is an attacking off-spinner who also has the so-called ‘carrom ball’ and the ‘doosra’ in his repertoire. ‘But I think most wickets amongst the 190 I have taken has been with my stock delivery. I might have taken 10 with my varieties,’ he estimates.

When asked if the selection of the South African team means there would be a straight shoot-out between him and Simon Harmer, Piedt answered philosophically: ‘No, it is about being together on the same journey, and winning games for South Africa together. My father drummed it into me that it is always about the team first.

‘If I am asked to carry drinks for South Africa, and if that is my role, I will do it, as long as we win.’