Thomas from zero to hero

2004-10-27 21:39

Christo Buchner

Johannesburg - No one will blame Alfonso Thomas if he keeps on pinching himself to make sure he is not dreaming.

This versatile player of the Titans has gone from zero to hero in the blink of an eye.

One moment he was depressed because he had been left out of the Titans squad and the next moment he was not just reinstated in his franchise's group to play the Dolphins, but he was also named as a member of the 14-man South African squad to tour India.

"I am on such a high that I want to make sure the Dolphins swim back to Durban," he said.

Both Thomas and Zander de Bruyn do not lack any motivation.

Titans coach Dave Nosworthy says his national players must now make sure they show everybody they have earned their places in the select group.

Thomas said: When I was left out of the Titans team against the Warriors a week ago, I thought my chances to be included in the Protea squad were nill."

A difference of opinion with his captain, Daryll Cullinan, is perhaps the most logical explanation why his franchise did not choose him.

However, it was said in the Titans camp that Thomas was told to work on certain aspects of his game and that the matter had been closed.

Rudolph must rest his injured back

Jacques Rudolph, one of four Titans in the Protea squad, will not be in action against the Dolphins because a specialist advised him to rest his injured back.

Altus Momberg reports from Cape Town that Thami Tsolekile's experience in Sri Lanka and Pakistan will definitely count in his favour when he wears the gloves for South Africa in the two Tests against India.

Tsolekile strengthended his claim earlier this month after hitting his first one-day century against the Titans in Benoni.

Twenty-four-year-old Tsolekile said: "The people in India are cricket mad and the tour will be difficult, but I am ready for the challenge. I have always believed I am good enough and I want to show what I can do."

Although there was unhappiness in some circles that Tsolekile was selected instead of the Titans' young wicketkeeper/batsman AB de Villiers, he is not in the same class behind the wickets as Tsolekile. De Villiers is an excellent young batsman that no doubt will still play many matches as batsman for his country.

De Villiers has worn the gloves in five top-level matches, compared to Tsolekile's 54 times.

Tsolekile was the SA Under-19 team captain that toured Pakistan in 1999 and players such as incumbent Proteas Graeme Smith, Jacques Rudolph and Justing Ontong were his team-mates.

- Beeld