Chatting to CBC Old Boys batting sensation: Wesley Coulentianos

The 21-year-old opener has been in fine form this season, hitting three centuries in five weeks in the early stages of the campaign – helping his side to beat their closest rivals, including Benoni Northerns, Kempton Park and Springs Old Boys, in what was a perfect start to the season.

Coulentianos struck an unbeaten 113 against Northerns, an undefeated 102 against Kempton and a monstrous 127 against their namesakes, from Springs, in a well-rounded batting display.

Below he talks about his dream, Brian Lara and AB de Villiers amongst other topics.

The Advertiser asked:

You’ve been in fine form this season, smashing centuries for fun, would you say you’re enjoying your finest season yet?

I worked really hard in the off season on both my mental and physical game. I felt coming into the season I was in a good head space and striking the ball well. It is always nice to cash in when you are feeling on top of your game and score hundreds, as cricket is quite a humbling game and can really get the better of you when you are struggling. It is always my goal to convert to 100, so in that regard I am happy.

Have you ever considered playing professionally?

I have indeed. I am currently in the process of playing for the Easterns First Class side, where I have enjoyed success this season, averaging over 50. Hopefully, with continued performances at this level, I will knock on the Titans’ franchise door.

How do you maintain your batting consistency?

Immaterial of the level at which I am playing, I always strive to maintain the same routine in preparing for a game. As I said before, it is very important for a batsman who is set to convert his score into the big 100. Fortunately, this season I have succeeded in this goal, whereas in previous seasons, I was known to get out in the 60s and 70s.

Have you always been a batter, or are you a converted one?

Since a young age I have primarily been a batsman, however, I do bowl some medium pace whenever needed by my captain.

For how long have you been playing the game?

I played my first club cricket at the age of five and fell in love with the game, making this my 16th year of playing.

How did it start?

I started off as a very keen five-year-old, who specialised in fielding, due to my age in an u-8 side, but this did not deter me as I had a passion for the game, which still lives within me today.

What would you say is the highlight in your career?

There have many ups and downs in my career, as is cricket. If I had to highlight three, it would be making the South African School side, making my first class (professional debut) for Easterns and scoring my first professional 100 against Namibia.

What has been your greatest inspiration in your career?

Since the 1999 World Cup I have always dreamt of playing for the Proteas. This dream has served as my inspiration and my drive, which has only fuelled my passion more.

Who has been your greatest inspiration in your career?

Brian Lara – the way in which he handles himself both on and off the field is admirable, and I really get inspired by the manner in which he chalked up massive scores, in the region of 400 and 500. It takes massive skill and concentration to achieve such results.

On a slightly lighter note, how do you respond under pressure? Can you provide a recent example?

I am generally quite a laid back person when I bat, so I find it key when I am under pressure to attempt to relax and have a laugh between balls.

Under pressure it is very important to be able to switch on and switch off. At the end of the day you have to be 100 per cent focused while facing the ball, but, between balls, try to remind yourself that it is just a game and should be enjoyed.

I recently helped chase down a target of 350 for Easterns against Free State, scoring 124 and sharing in a partnership of 240.

Throughout that innings, whenever we met in the middle we spoke about things unrelated to the game and had a good laugh.

Take us through your training regime.

I train daily and always try to spend a good amount of time on basics such as underarm drills, as I believe that they are sometimes overlooked by cricketers. Without good basics the rest of your game cannot be on point. The balance of my training consists of match scenarios and game plan training against bowlers in the nets. Fitness is also vitally important and I ensure that I take care of that aspect of sport in a professional manner.

What’s your opinion on the Proteas’ World Cup squad and how do you think we’ll fare in the tournament?

Well, when you have a team with the likes of Steyn (Dale), Amla (Hashim) and AB de Villiers, it is hard not to back the Proteas to bring home the trophy. In my opinion, de Villiers is the best batsman in world cricket and it would be great for him to show it to the world with a Man of the Series Award down under.

This, coupled with a fierce seam attack and a great one-day spinner, in Imran Tahir, as well as a tremendous finisher in David Miller, I believe the Proteas will enter the tournament as one of the firm favourites.

Favourite local and international player?

Local – AB de Villiers. International – Brian Lara.

Which schools did you go to, starting from primary right through to tertiary?

Tom Newby Primary for Grades 0 – Three; CBC Boksburg for Grades Four to Seven; St. John’s College for Grades Eight to 12 and, currently, studying at Tuks (University of Pretoria) for an engineering degree. – @SabeloBoksburg