International cricket is the ultimate cauldron for anyone who aspires to be a professional cricketer. To play for the country is one of the biggest achievements any cricketer looks back fondly upon hanging his boots. Over the years a lot of cricketers have shifted bases to play for another country once they felt their chances of making it to their national team are minimal. South Africa has been one country which has lost the cream of its talent and they have lost one more prodigy who will soon ply his international cricketing career elsewhere
South African cricket dealt a huge loss
The name Graham Hume might not strike a bell for many but he was once considered one of the best upcoming players from the Rainbow Nation. The 30 year old now will be seen playing international cricket for Ireland as he will represent Ireland Wolves team against Bangladesh A team. Hume is a left hander batsman and is also capable at bowling medium pace bowling. Hume becomes eligible to represent Ireland international team next year in 2022. Speaking about the developments he said “It was a very exciting moment as I didn’t really expect to be going. It probably took a while to sink in. Also, knowing that I will be in the privileged position to travel at these strange times is something that I recognize. “I feel my 2020 season went pretty well, even though it was such a shortened season. Mainly being T20 cricket was strange, as it was hard to find your rhythm, but I was lucky to start well and things sort of grew from there.”
Hume was focused on his fitness and his prior experience of Asia
Derry Journal
While the world was or is still gripping with lockdown imposed for the dreaded Coronavirus Pandemic , Graham Hume was keeping himself fit and ready for the hard yards ahead and he said “I have spent most of my winter training and working on my fitness. Training indoors during the winter is something I’m not completely use to yet, but it’s about making the most of it and always trying to make yourself a better cricketer. Fitness-wise I’ve been lucky to live near a forest, so it’s been good to get in there a few times a week and do some running. Also Brendan Connor [Ireland Men’s S&C Coach] has given me a few home workouts to do, which have been fun but hard work. I was lucky enough to tour Bangladesh in 2011, so I have a fair idea of what to expect. I remember the wickets being quite slow and good for batting. And it was also pretty hot and very humid.”
Hume follows some illustrious footsteps
England has been the biggest beneficiary of South African Cricketers making their move elsewhere as the likes of Kevin Pietersen, Andrew Strauss, Jonathan Trott and many more have played for the three lions turning their backs on the South African team. Marnus Labuschagne who is now a huge player for Australia is another protean import as is New Zealand’s BJ Watling and Neil Wagner.