Johannesburg – There are still one or two places up for grabs in South Africa's one day side for next year's ICC Cricket World Cup and Dolphins opener Morne van Wyk said he would love to be in contention.
“It's not my call and I'm not focused on it anymore but it certainly would be welcomed, and something I would give anything for,” the 35-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman said.
Van Wyk had been the standout player in the domestic one day series this season, with his two match-winning century knocks. His 175 not out against the Knights last week contributed to a record opening stand of 367 with Cameron Delport.
The pair lasted the full 50 overs of which Van Wyk faced 171
balls, adding to his unbeaten 121 in the first match of the competition against the Titans earlier in the month.
The previous highest opening stand in international cricket was set by Indian maestros Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid in Hyderabad in 1999, where the pair amassed 331 runs, scoring 186 not out in the match and 153 respectively.
“It still feels a bit surreal. If I wasn't there I'd find it hard to believe,” Van Wyk said.
“How do you bat 50 overs without losing a wicket, and not just block it but actually score 367? Cricket is a game for statisticians, and to think we're the owners of an amazing world record in 40-plus years of one-day cricket is fantastic.”
Out just once in the four games of the competition so far this season, Van Wyk boasted an average of 311 in the 50-over format.
He paid tribute to Delport who scored 169 from 130 balls during their historic stand.
“It's also special to have done it with someone like Cameron.
“About seven or eight years ago I was doing warm-ups in the indoor nets in Natal when I was still playing for the Knights. I saw this 17-year-old being fed short balls by one of the coaches and he was dealing with them handsomely.
“I thought this guy could really play and I kept an eye on the name Delport. Then I started playing with him and growing with him over the last year, and we've had a couple really nice partnerships. This one took it to a new level.”
Van Wyk made his debut for the Proteas in 2003, playing 13
One-Day Internationals s and three T20Is, sporadically over a period of eight years.
His ODI best knock for the national side came against India in Belfast in 2007, where he scored 82.
He said his partnership with Delport though was definitely one of the highlights of his 17-year long career.
“I can think of 10 standout memories from my career, and this one goes right in there as the cherry on top.
“I remember reading something about the record many years ago, but it's just not something you pay attention to. It's a pity I did it against my old team and if I could change one thing it would be that.”
The national selectors would surely be taking notes ahead of the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand in February.
Van Wyk said he was not expecting a recall to the Proteas but felt he still had plenty to offer.
“I'd like to think I can do better on the international stage, and I do think the conditions in Australia and New Zealand would suit me to a tee.
“Can I add value there? Yes, I can but it's up to the selectors at the end of the day.” – Sapa