It wasn’t a dream Test debut, but exciting 22-year-old Proteas talent Gerald Coetzee produced a strong first performance on the national stage that showed he could have a long and productive international career ahead of him.
It was against the West Indies and was on a fast bowler friendly Highveld wicket, but Coetzee could still stand out among some impressive performances.
Aiden Markram’s century, Anrich Nortje’s five-for and Kagiso Rabada’s six-for, obviously took the title, but Coetzee quietly went about the job, making an all-round contribution to the Proteas’ first Test win.
Contribute with the bat
In that match Coetzee took three wickets, with figures of 1/20 in the first innings and 2/45 in the second.
However, it was his contribution with the bat that caught the eye, scoring 17 in the first innings and a quick-fire 20 in the second.
With the Proteas having a very flaky batting order, Coetzee could be a valuable lower order bowling all-rounder, in the same mold as what Marco Jansen is, especially since he has first class and 50 over half centuries to his name.
Speaking after the match, Coetzee admitted that it was a great experience for him, especially competing against an impressive bowling line-up.
“I’m very happy. I don’t have many words (to describe) but it’s something I’ll cherish forever,” Coetzee said.
“We have an unbelievable bowling attack. Making my debut and knowing that I have bowlers like KG (Rabada) Marco (Jansen) and Anna (Nortje) supporting me calms me down.
Nerve
Coetzee claimed that the experience of the successful SA20 competition helped to overcome his nervousness, after experiencing a big competition featuring a large crowd.
“I said before the Test that the SA20 helped a lot with the crowd. We don’t have a big crowd here (in the Test in Centurion). But just with the nerves and the pressure, the SA20 really helped me get used to it,” Coetzee said.
“I’m nervous of course. Playing for your country is the greatest thing you can do. But I feel the nerves are better than before SA20.
Wear a headband
Coetzee was asked about what became a trademark for him, wearing a headband while playing, and he dismissed the rumor that he used the headband while mowing the lawn at home.
“My brother had a little interview and he said,” Coetzee said with a laugh. “My dad used to wear socks when he cut the grass, because we sweat a lot in our family. But that’s not true, but I think it’s funny.
“I use it to keep the sweat out of my face. I don’t like having my hands on my face all the time, so that really helps with that. After that it becomes something (affirmation).
“There is a difference between walking through the line and on the other side of the line and the headband just confirms that.”
‘A lot of learning’
Despite his solid debut, Coetzee knows he still has a lot to learn and plenty of time to grow in the future.
“I think I still have a lot to learn. I am only at the beginning of my journey. I have learned a lot in the last year by playing more cricket, working with good bowling coaches and seeing world class bowlers,” Coetzee said.
“Going to Australia (for the previous Proteas Test series) and seeing how these guys operate is also huge.”
Proteas bowling star Pace Rabada was also quick to praise Coetzee, and believes he is set for a long career with the Proteas.
“He talks about the headband and the analogy behind it. When he crosses the line, he becomes something else. I think that’s his biggest trademark and it’s an addition to his pace,” said Rabada.
“His pace is natural, but that’s his mentality. He just wants to go and give it his all and I think that’s his best attribute.