• SA-born quick shines for Western Australia

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    SA-born fast bowler Albert Esterhuysen – who models his game on former Proteas quick Morne Morkel – has made an immediate impact for Western Australia.

    The 19-year-old, known for his height, aggression and ability to extract movement off the pitch, has been on a rapid rise over the past year.

    After impressing for club side Rockingham-Mandurah last season, where he claimed 28 wickets in 14 matches, Esterhuysen caught the attention of state selectors with a standout campaign for Western Australia at the U19 National Championships in Adelaide, taking eight wickets at 14.13.

    His performances earned him a spot in Western Australia’s 2nd XI and the Perth Scorchers Academy squad for the Top End Series in Darwin, where he continued to shine — notably taking 2-21 off four overs against Bangladesh A.

    Those displays paved the way for a call-up to Western Australia’s 14-man squad for the opening One-Day Cup matches of the 2025-26 season.

    He took 3-42 in seven overs on debut against South Australia followed by 2-58 in eight overs against New South Wales, including the wicket of Australia opener Sam Konstas.

    Esterhuysen has long looked up to Morkel, who took 309 Test wickets for the Proteas and featured briefly for the Perth Scorchers in the 2019-20 BBL.

    “Growing up in South Africa, it was definitely Morne Morkel,” he said when asked who he modelled his game on. “He was a tall fast bowler who would hit the deck hard. I was tall as a youngster and basing my game off him gave me a sense of where I want to take my cricket.

    “The WACA Ground is known for its pace and steep bounce and it’s an awesome opportunity to get out there as your home ground.”

    Photo: Paul Kane/Getty Images

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    Simon Borchardt