Beuran Hendricks ready to stake a claim in Proteas side again
Beuran Hendricks, 35-year-old left-arm seamer, is determined to reclaim his spot in the Proteas team by improving his fitness and showcasing his passion, despite the team’s current fast bowling depth. Picture: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
Image: yan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
Having not played for the Proteas in almost two years, fast bowler Beuran Hendricks is ready to prove himself once more on the domestic front.
Hendricks was speaking at the launch of the new local season at the Wanderers at a hot and dry Wanderers Club in Johannesburg on Tuesday.
The 35-year-old last donned a Proteas shirt in December 2023 against India in Paarl and it’s not been down to injury.
The Proteas simply have an embarrassment of riches at the moment in the fast bowling department, and even though Hendricks is a highly valuable left-arm seamer, he appears to be well down in the pecking order. With Marco Jansen providing more height, Nandre Burger in good form and teenager Kwena Maphaka rising up - it’s difficult to see Hendricks breaking back into the team.
Hendricks Aims for Recognition with Improved Fitness and Passion for Red Ball Cricket
“It’s been a tough career from being in and out of the national side. I do see myself wanting to stake a claim, moving into the season,” said Hendricks.
“There are a couple of things that I’ve worked on during the winter now and I’m feeling really good about my bowling. I feel like I’ve got my fitness under control.
“You know, touch wood, there are no injuries this season and I can just put in some performances that will get me recognised.”
Though Hendricks has played 19 T20Is and 10 ODIs, he still prefers the longest format of the game despite playing just one Test for the Proteas.
“I’ve always been passionate about red ball cricket, Test cricket. It was an unbelievable opportunity and experience for me to make my Test debut. So yeah, that will always be close to me. For me, the white ball game is just something fun.”