Rubin Hermann says a phone call from Proteas team management was one of the most important of his life.
The North West Dragons wicketkeeper-batsman earned his maiden call-up for the T20 Tri-Series in Zimbabwe this month, where South Africa will take on the hosts and New Zealand.
Hermann’s selection follows a string of impressive domestic performances, including a standout debut campaign for the Paarl Royals in this year’s SA20, where he scored 333 runs in nine matches, with three half-centuries.
The 28-year-old recalled the moment he found out he had achieved his international dream.
“It was around six in the evening and I was watching TV with my partner when I got a call from an unknown number,” he SportsBoom.co.za. “I answered, and it was probably one of the most important calls of my life.”
A follow-up message from the logistics manager and a flood of congratulatory texts confirmed the news: Hermann was heading to Zimbabwe as a Protea.
He credited the SA20 for preparing him for this step up.
“It’s close to international standard, especially when you’re rubbing shoulders with players like Joe Root and David Miller,” he said. “To be surrounded by them gives you a tap on the shoulder – it tells you that you can perform there.”
Hermann, who has solid numbers across formats and recently featured for South Africa A, sees this as just the beginning.
“I have an ambition to be a three-format cricketer for the Proteas. I’ve finally broken into one format, and I want to use that to show I can push for the ODI and Test teams.”
He said the SA20 had helped bridge the gap between domestic and international cricket.
“The lessons come in stages – you’re not thrown in the deep end like before. When you’re selected for the SA20 and perform, it gives exposure and a platform for local players to express themselves, and it has played a key role in giving us real opportunities.”
Proteas T20 squad: Rassie van der Dussen (c, Lions), Corbin Bosch (Titans), Dewald Brevis (Titans), Nandre Burger (WP), Gerald Coetzee (Titans), Reeza Hendricks (Lions), Rubin Hermann (Dragons), George Linde (WP), Kwena Maphaka (Lions), Senuran Muthusamy (Warriors), Lungi Ngidi (Titans), Nqaba Peter (Lions), Lhuan-dré Pretorius (Titans), Andile Simelane (Dolphins).
T20I Tri-Series fixtures
Monday, 14 July – Zimbabwe vs South Africa, 13:00, Harare Sports Club
Wednesday, 16 July – South Africa vs New Zealand, 13:00, Harare Sports Club
Friday, 18 July – Zimbabwe vs New Zealand, 13:00, Harare Sports Club
Sunday, 20 July – Zimbabwe vs South Africa, 13:00, Harare Sports Club
Tuesday, 22 July – New Zealand vs South Africa, 13:00, Harare Sports Club
Thursday, 24 July – Zimbabwe vs New Zealand, 13:00, Harare Sports Club
Saturday, 26 July – Final, 13:00, Harare Sports Club
Photo: Shaun Roy/Sportzpics
