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Lutho Sipamla (Gallo Images)
- The Proteas’ first Test win against Sri Lanka might have shown their batting order rediscovering their mojo, but their two rookies played starring roles.
- Both Wiaan Mulder and Lutho Sipamla were the instigators of South Africa’s turnaround after a poor start.
- Captain Quinton de Kock expects Mulder’s overall form to continue, while praising Sipamla’s character for finishing with good figures on his debut.
While an experienced batting order that finally flexed his muscles again was the most obvious upside to the Proteas’ encouraging win over Sri Lanka in the first Test at Centurion, it was undeniably two rookies who set the platform.
National captain Quinton de Kock on Tuesday praised the efforts of the 22-year-old duo of Wiaan Mulder and Lutho Sipamla, who shrugged and lack of experience to spearhead their team’s turnaround from a disappointing start.
Chosen as the designated all-rounder for the game, won by an emphatic margin of one inning and 45 runs, Mulder made great strides toward fulfilling his term.
He was visibly disappointed to be sacked 36 during South Africa’s attack to a whopping 621 in his only innings, especially since hitting is his forte.
But it was the Highveld Lions star’s newfound stamina as a closer that stood out.
After injuries ruined his initial explosion on the cricket scene in 2017, Mulder has become visibly stronger sending 32 combined overs for game figures of 5/108.
“Wiaan’s contribution to this game speaks for itself,” De Kock said after the Proteas’ victory.
“Any team with an all-rounder that can add value with the ball and the bat will find those players key. Wiaan really showed what it was all about.
“He’s a young man, he came out and pitched maturely and also hit with intention. It’s good to see him go forward and I hope he continues in that form.
Meanwhile, Mulder’s franchise teammate Sipamla underwent a rapid and dramatic transformation as the proceedings unfolded.
The lanky closer looked visibly nervous as he grabbed the new ball in the first inning, leaking 36 runs in his first four overs and 56 in nine before showing immense character to finish 4/76.
Strikingly, Sipamla didn’t try to display a wide range of abilities to turn things around for him.
Instead, he kept things simple, focused on a more comprehensive extension, and was duly rewarded.
“Lutho came to us and we talked about his difficult start at the end of the first day. It was nothing big, it just came down to being on debut and having some nerves,” said De Kock.
“He came back very well. The way he finally played was how he did on the net. We knew what he could do and he came back brilliantly.
“Lutho showed some real character. It’s hard to be the first bowler on your debut, but it was great to watch his fight.”
Sipamla proved it was no fluke by taking 2/24 in the second inning for Sri Lanka.
