Grade 10 SACS pupil Daniel Smith has made three centuries and two half-centuries in his first five matches for the 1st XI this season.

The 15-year-old scored all of his runs at the recent Cape Cricket Festival, which was jointly hosted by Wynberg Boys’, Paarl Boys’ and SACS.

Smith carried his form over from last year when he represented SACS U15A and Western Province U15.

‘Last season was one of the best I have ever had,’ he told SACricketmag.co.za. ‘I scored four centuries and averaged just over 60. That is how I got my 1st XI breakthrough.’

Smith scored 101 not out, 100, 53 not out, 126 not out and 53 not out against tough opposition in Noord-Kaap, Waterkloof, Northcliff, Garsfontein and St John’s respectively.

Smith did not give too many secrets away when asked about the key to his current form. However, he said he works extremely hard on his game and puts in lots of extra hours while he also acknowledged the help he has received from influential coaches at school and Western Province.

‘I put in lots and lots of practice, the more you practise the better you get. I have got a lot of backing from the Western Province coaches, which really helps. Jaco Zeeman, Siya Sibiya and Brendan Kleynhans have all helped me quite a bit.’

Smith is hoping to be selected for the WP U17s this year.

While he also played U15A rugby last year and enjoys the sport, his big dream is to become a professional cricketer.

‘I definitely want to represent the Proteas. Cricket has been my favourite sport from when I was young.’

The opening batsman says his sporting hero is Quinton de Kock, as he too is a wicketkeeper-batsman.

If Smith maintains his current form, he could soon follow in De Kock’s footsteps.

Interview by Joel Carew

Photo: SACS/Twitter