Interim director of cricket Graeme Smith reportedly persuaded Proteas all-rounder Dwaine Pretorius against pursuing a long-term contract with Nottinghamshire in English county cricket.

Pretorius debuted in Test cricket on Thursday, striking an important 33 during an 87-run partnership with half-centurion Quinton de Kock.

The 30-year-old Pretorius was named in the XI ahead of fellow all-rounder Andile Phehlukwayo, who is seven years younger and more experienced in Test, ODI and T20I competition.

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Pretorius played limited-overs and first-class cricket for Northamptonshire earlier this year. He struck a century on debut in the County Championship Division Two.

‘I am really stoked to be joining Northamptonshire for the T20 Blast and for some red-ball cricket,’ he said at the time.

‘I have always wanted to play county cricket – personally it’s a dream come true and I can’t wait for the opportunity. I will be doing everything I can to help the Steelbacks lift the cup and I’m thankful for the opportunity to be part of the team.’

He recently recovered from a wrist injury to play a key role in the Paarl Rocks’ victory over the Tshwane Spartans in the final of the Mzansi Super League.

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