The 15-year-old not only secured his place on the team but was also appointed as its captain, making him the pride of his school, city and province.
BLINK and Kimberley will produce another gem. This was proven again last month when Nathan Baird, a talented Grade 10 learner from Diamantveld High School, made headlines in the cricket world when he represented South Africa in an international tournament held in India.
The 15-year-old not only secured his place on the team but was also appointed as its captain, making him the pride of his school, city and province.
Reflecting on his journey when speaking to the DFA, Nathan revealed that his passion for cricket ignited during his early years at Newton Primary School.
“I started playing cricket in Grade 1 because I was a bit small for rugby at the time. The more I played, the more I liked playing cricket, and ever since then, cricket has been my sport of choice,” he said.
Nathan’s exceptional skills didn’t go unnoticed. Diamantveld High School recommended his name for the provincial trials, and after an impressive performance, he earned a spot on the Under-15 regional team, where he was also appointed captain.
It was during a tournament in Sasolburg last year that Nathan’s extraordinary talent caught the attention of the selectors, ultimately leading to his selection for the tour to India.
Excited by the announcement of his selection, Nathan then discovered that he was the sole representative from the Northern Cape, an honour that deeply humbled him.
Even more astonishingly, he told the DFA was the fact that he was entrusted with the responsibility of captaining the team.
“I was surprised to find out that I was the only one selected in the province to represent my country, but I was even more surprised to find out that I was selected to be captain of the Under-15 team.”
As for the tour itself, India proved to be a challenging yet enriching experience for the young captain. The team played two games in Delhi and two in Jaipur, securing victory in one out of the four matches.
Nathan acknowledged the unique playing style of the Indian team. “We learned a lot during those four matches. India plays a lot differently than we do, and we had the opportunity to learn from them,” he said.
Describing the disparity between Indian and South African pitches, Nathan highlighted the unexpected spin and lower trajectory of the ball in India. “Their pitches are a lot different than ours. They have a lot of spinners, and when the ball is bowled on a pitch there, it spins and stays low, whereas here in South Africa the ball shoots up, so that was something that caught us off guard and we had to adjust to that.
“Only in our last game did we start getting the hang of it, and that’s when we won the game,” he explained.
The good news is that Nathan’s cricket journey is far from over. As one of the seven players selected for the prestigious Northern Cape Young Heat programme, he is poised to receive further training and guidance, with the ultimate aim of joining the provincial Heat team when he turns 19.
With unwavering determination, the young athlete dreams of representing his province and, if fortune favours him, one day donning the Proteas jersey to make his country proud.
Nathan’s exceptional performance on the cricket field has not only brought glory to his school and province but has also become an inspiration for other young cricketers across the nation.
With his talent, dedication, and dreams set high, this young star is poised to carve his path towards a successful career in cricket, leaving an indelible mark on the sport he loves.
As Nathan continues to work hard honing his skills in pursuit of his dreams, his journey serves as a reminder that talent knows no boundaries and that with perseverance and hard work, even the youngest of players can shine on the global stage.
With the support of his family, school, and community, Nathan’s journey from a small-town cricketer to a potential national representative symbolises the power of dreams and the endless possibilities that lie ahead for those who dare to chase them.
