I love my batting ... but my DNA is fast bowling, says Proteas hero Corbin Bosch

Corbin Bosch has had a dream start to his Test career. On debut on his home ground at SuperSport Park in Centurion against Pakistan, Bosch took a four-wicket haul and scored 81, helping South Africa secure a spot in the World Test Championship final.

In his second Test at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, the 30-year-old brought up his maiden Test century in the first innings and took a five-for in the second innings, a feat that no South African Test cricketer had achieved since 2002 when Jacques Kallis did the same against Bangladesh.

Bosch's all-round performance in Bulawayo helped South Africa secure a 328-run victory and saw the side take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.

Despite his ability with the bat and the intense competition amongst the tail-end batters, Bosch told the media on Wednesday that his DNA is bowling fast.

Bosch's late father, Tertius, was a fearsome tearaway fast bowler for the old Northern Transvaal, featuring in one Test and two One-Day Internationals for South Africa.

"I think South Africa is blessed to have such fantastic bowlers and guys that can bat as well," said Bosch.

"In Test cricket, the lower order being able to wag is an important part in getting those extra bit of runs, so I think it's always healthy competition.

"No one wants to be number 11, so it's a fight between everyone. I love my batting, but my DNA is fast bowling. I love to bowl fast. As much as I love batting, I just love bowling that much more."

Bosch and the Proteas Test squad will be looking to complete a series whitewash when the second and final Test of the series against Zimbabwe gets underway from Saturday, July 6 in Bulawayo.

Independent Media