Often, due to the political climate in South Africa, there is a feeling that certain sections of the country’s population no longer have a future playing the game of cricket.
It was certainly then refreshing listening to Anrich Nortje in terms of cricket remaining accessible to all communities.
The 26-year-old fast bowler hails from a modest family in Uitenhage - 26km from St George’s Park - where he attended Handhaaf Primary and Brandwag High School.
Neither of these institutions rank among the ivy league of schools in the Eastern Cape where Grey High School, Selbourne College (East London), St Andrews (Grahamstown) dominate the cricket landscape.
In fact, Nortje is the first national cricket player produced by his alma mater.
But like every other Eastern Cape boy, Nortje’s dreams of playing for the Proteas on his home ground St George’s Park began while watching his heroes from the grass banks.
LIVING THE DREAM: Anrich Nortje.
He explains: “I am really excited to be playing here in Port Elizabeth.
“I used to sit here on the grass embankments and watch the games.
“It’s been a lot of hard work over the years and a lot of sacrifices a lot of Decembers in South Africa playing cricket rather than having holidays.
“It’s nice to finally get that opportunity and I’m really excited [to] just go out there and give it my best.”
There’s little doubt that Nortje will run out and give his best in the third Test which starts today at 10am.
He has been a bundle of energy throughout the Test series against England so far.
Proteas captain Faf du Plessis has also utilised Nortje in short bursts, often just letting him loose to attack the English with his missiles that are delivered in excess of 150km/h .
It seems like Nortje has taken over the “aggressor” role from Duanne Olivier, who was so successful last season before opting for a Kolpak contract with Yorkshire in the English county championship.
PLANS: Nortje with South African captain Faf du Plessis.
Of the role, he says: “At this stage any role I can do I’m happy with.
“Just to be playing is already a big honour for me. “Whatever the team needs or wants whether it’s investment or whether it’s striking I’m happy to do that for now.
“Sometimes I do that role domestically as well so it’s nothing different for me. It’s about what the team needs.”