SA vs AUS 2018: "I couldn’t believe it when I was selected"- Wiaan Mulder

Cricket South Africa (CSA) on Saturday named wicketkeeper-batsman Heinrich Klaasen and Highveld Lions all-rounder Wiaan Mulder in the Proteas squad for the first two Tests against Australia to be played in March.

They have been included in the side in places of all-rounders Andile Phehlukwayo and Chris Morris from the squad that played against India.

If either of the two plays against Australia, he will become the 100th player to represent the Proteas in this format.

Klaasen has been in incredible form in the ongoing limited-overs series as he was picked up to replace first-choice keeper Quinton De Kock. De Kock was ruled out of the ODI series after the first three ODI’s.

On the other hand, 20-year-old Wiaan Mulder who has played one ODI against Bangladesh has been introduced in the Test side.

Wiaan Mulder has played 15 First-class matches and has picked up 47 wickets at an average of 21.82.

The all-rounder heard the news in South Africa ‘A’ dressing room. The South African ‘A’ side is playing against the touring Australians in Benoni.

Mulder shared the experience when he was informed that he was selected for the Test side. He said:

“Russell (Domingo, the SA A coach) called me across to his cell phone and I saw Linda Zondi’s (National Selection Panel Convener) number come up on the phone so I knew something was up. I couldn’t believe it when he told me I had been selected. In fact, I still can’t believe it. The chance to make your debut against the Australians must be special?”

In the warm up match, South Africa ‘A’ looked like gaining a first innings lead in the three-day warm-up in Benoni, but Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon helped them escape and get a lead in the context of the game.

Mulder said: 

“It’s an unbelievable experience. I could see from our game against them here at Benoni what a class act they are.”

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