Photo Credit: SA20 League
Jason Smith has joined the growing list of South African players to be called up to the Proteas T20 team since the inception of Betway SA20.
The Durban’s Super Giants allrounder received his maiden national team call-up, along with Paarl Royals teen sensation Kwena Maphaka, last week for the upcoming three-match T20I series against the West Indies in Trinidad and Tobago.
He joins his DSG teammate Matthew Breetzke, MI Cape Town’s Dewald Brevis, Sunrisers Eastern Cape duo Ottneil Baartman and Patrick Kruger, Joburg Super Kings’ Donovan Ferreira and Nandre Burger along with Paarl Royals’ Nqaba Peter to have made their T20I debuts over the past two seasons.
Smith has also been retained by DSG for Season 3 showcasing the franchise’s belief in the 29-year-old’s talent despite him yet to taste any action out in the middle.
He feels, though, that while his time spent in the DSG camp has been limited to training sessions, it has already played a large part in his development.
“Even if you don’t get a chance to play, there’s an opportunity to learn from world-class players day in and day out,” Smith said.
“Just being able to watch what they do regularly at training and during games, I think it’s something that has helped me to grow as a cricketer.”
Smith’s natural talent has been known ever since he formed part of the South African U19 team that lifted the ICC Men’s U19 World Cup trophy in the UAE a decade ago. The same side which was captained by Sunrisers Eastern Cape skipper Aiden Markram and spearheaded by MI Cape Town fast bowler Kagiso Rabada.
It’s only recently though that Smith has settled into the “finisher” role at his provincial union, the Dolphins, closing out matches under pressure in white-ball cricket.
He dominated last season’s T20 Challenge, smashing 291 runs at an average of 41.57 and a strike rate of 134.10, which included a half-century in the final against the Lions at the Wanderers.
Smith believes regular chats with DSG coach Lance Klusener, who was the ultimate white-ball finisher in his heyday, and current Proteas star Heinrich Klaasen helped him develop a greater understanding of the role.
“The finishing role is quite tough. I spoke a bit with Lance and also with Klaasie a little bit, just to pick up a few tips,” Smith said.
“Being a finisher you have to be brave and willing to take risks and take guys on. Luckily I am in a space where I am enjoying my cricket, so that’s what I take on the field.
“It’s about being brave because you have to make a play early on. Obviously, you have less balls than the guys who bat upfront. Being confident and brave is the way to go.”
While Smith is hoping to get out on the park in the Caribbean to further enhance his growing status, he is also keenly anticipating being part of DSG that can hopefully go one better in Season 3 after finishing runners-up last season.
“I am obviously quite excited. I didn’t get a game last season, but hopefully I will this time around just to see where I’m at,” he said.
“The tournament has a massive hype around it. I feel like you raise your game just by being in the changeroom with the international guys.
“There’s just a different aura around the tournament. I think you automatically lift your level to compete with everyone involved. Yeah, so excited for Season 3.”
FULL PROTEAS T20I SQUAD VS WEST INDIES
Aiden Markram (Sunrisers Eastern Cape), Ottneil Baartman (Sunrisers Eastern Cape), Nandre Burger (Joburg Super Kings), Donovan Ferreira (Joburg Super Kings), Bjorn Fortuin (Paarl Royals), Reeza Hendricks, Patrick Kruger (Sunrisers Eastern Cape), Kwena Maphaka (Paarl Royals), Wiaan Mulder (Durban’s Super Giants), Lungi Ngidi (Paarl Royals), Ryan Rickelton (MI Cape Town), Jason Smith (Durban’s Super Giants), Tristan Stubbs (Sunrisers Eastern Cape), Rassie van der Dussen (MI Cape Town) and Lizaad Williams (Joburg Super Kings).
FIXTURES (SA TIMES)
Friday, 23 August at 9pm
West Indies vs South Africa – Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Trinidad and Tobago
Sunday, 25 August at at 9pm
West Indies vs South Africa – Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Trinidad and Tobago
Tuesday, 27 August at at 9pm
West Indies vs South Africa – Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Trinidad and Tobago
