Lutho Sipamla (thread)

Imagine being a young 22-year-old taking your first steps into an already daunting arena of Test cricket in itself, and then hearing through one ear that you're a "quota player" and you "don't deserve to be there".

Imagine being crucified and having your entire Test cricket career prematurely ended by a huge chunk of the countries cricket "supporters" just after only YOUR FIRST SPELL! because, he isn't allowed to feel the pressure,the jitters and the nerves right? He is just a machine that

will get it right first time and clean everybody out? When he finally calmed down and started settling at that level, he was then able to show exactly why he belongs at that level. He was able to show the ability and prowess that earned him the opportunity to wear the Protea

whites, that many live to try and achieve all their life, but die having failed. He was able to not only take his chance, but also turn everything around and make sure he controlled the narrative around how his maiden Test would go, and be remembered.

The former Grey P.E pupil bounced back from a tough start, to bag 4 wickets for 76 runs, claiming the best bowling figures of the first innings in his 16 overs. He would then go on to claim a further 2 scalps in the second innings, going for 24 runs in his 5 overs

All in all, the Emperial Lions star finished with bowling figures of 6/100 in his 21 overs. He finished with the most wickets out of the bowling attack, on his debut. Mhmm...not bad for a "quota player" who didn't "deserve to be there" right?

Congratulations Lutho, don't worry about the haters, keep your head up and keep making us proud