It’s been an emotional week for Corbin Bosch, who recently made his international debut against Pakistan. | BackpagePix
Corbin Bosch can hardly imagine the week he’s enjoying. It’s almost as if Christmas came early – and not just once but twice!
It was only last week when Proteas Test coach Shukri Conrad put his arm around Bosch at the Wally Watson Oval in Cape Town to inform the 30-year-old Titans all-rounder of his maiden call-up to the Proteas’ Test squad for the upcoming series against Pakistan.
Bosch, who was playing for the SA Invitational XI, wore a silly smirk on his face for the remainder of the four-day match against the England Lions. The fact that the Pakistan series opener was set to be played at home ground, SuperSport Park in Centurion, added to the excitement.
But before any of that could transpire, Bosch got another call. This time it was from Proteas white-ball coach Rob Walter.
Ottniel Baartman was the latest Proteas fast bowler to break down with an injury and suddenly Bosch was being kitted out in pink for an ODI debut and handed his first international cap by his former SA Under-19 captain Aiden Markram for the final match of the series at the Bullring.
“It was really special,” Bosch exclusively told Independent Media Sport.
“We go back a really long way and I don't think it could have been any more fitting than for me to get my cap from someone I've literally spent my entire life playing cricket with and against. So, I couldn't have asked for someone better to give me my cap than him.
“It was super emotional. I mean, my dad obviously played for South Africa as well, so for me it was a really momentous occasion and I was just trying to take it all in and really savour each and every moment, the good and the bad.
“So, it was a really, really special occasion. I mean, I'm just so happy that I could finally represent my country. It was a dream of mine since I was a kid and just finally being able to achieve that reality.
“I was just super proud in the moment that I could wear the green and gold, although it was pink. But yeah, I was just super happy and, as I said, a little bit emotional at the same time.”
The emotional levels were always going to be at an all-time high. Bosch’s late father, Tertius, was of course a former Proteas fast bowler, who played in South Africa’s first Test post isolation against the West Indies in Barbados.
There will certainly be a full circle moment should Bosch make his Test debut at SuperSport Park as it was here that Tertuis terrorised batters with his searing pace in a new-ball partnership with Fanie de Villiers for Northerns.
“If I make my debut at Supersport Park, especially for Test cricket, I don't think anything could be more fitting for it is where my dad started his cricketing journey,” Bosch said.
“So, for me to start my Test journey. I don't think there could be a better place. I love the ground. I love the fans. And it's just a fantastic place to play cricket. The atmosphere, I absolutely love it.
“And it couldn't be a more special occasion if I was to get my debut at Supersport Park.”
Tertius will no doubt be looking down from the heavens with pride should his eldest son make his Test debut on Boxing Day, but Bosch will also have the support from his mother, Karen-Anne, who will be flying in for the occasion.
Bosch is one of those rare players in South African cricket that possesses an ICC World Cup winners medal. He was an integral part of the SA U19 side that claimed the trophy under Markram’s leadership that remains the only South African cricket team to win an ICC World Cup final.
However, he had to wait almost a decade to take the step up to the next level, having watched the likes of Markram, Kagiso Rabada, Andile Phehlukwayo, Clyde Fortuin, Jason Smith all play international cricket before him.
After previously being impatient, he’s realised that it was part of a greater plan for him.
“I think everyone goes through times where they think or they want to be further than they are and I'm a firm believer that maybe at the time I probably wasn't as ready as maybe I thought I was,” Bosch said.
“Especially the last 18 months, I've really improved my game in pretty much all aspects where I could be in a position that if I do get an international call up that I will be ready for such an opportunity and take the opportunity with both hands and perform.
“I think in hindsight, I think if I got it too early, who knows where I would be sitting today. But I'm just super grateful that eventually all my hard work and sacrifices and all of that have paid off.”