Commentary Box: Consistency is king for Van der Dussen

There has been a long line of North West Dragons cricketers who has enthralled at both domestic and international level, but none has made such an impact straight off the bat like Rassie van der Dussen.

The 29-year old bizhub Highveld Lions batsman and Proteas newcomer has made a dream start to his international ODI career hitting a half-century (93) on debut and ending with three half-centuries in the recent ODI series against Pakistan. His average of 120 is a testament to what he has achieved in the green and gold and this form has opened up 2019 Cricket World Cup opportunities for the right hander.

What was most impressive was Van der Dussen’s consistency and calm at the crease. Her never once looked flustered or overawed by any occasion. In fact, Van der Dussen took his side to two big victories with the willow in hand. First was the unforgettable 80* (123) as he and Andile Phehlukwayo steered SA to a 5 wicket win at Kingsmead to level the five match series 1-1.  Second was his unbeaten 50* in the fifth ODI yesterday at Newlands. It was fitting that he also brought up his half-century with a straight six to clinch the match and series for South Africa.

Van der Dussen’s achievements in this series is the perfect example of taking opportunities when they come and making the most of it. Especially as the Proteas are still in a selection scramble for the upcoming 2019 Cricket World Cup in England regarding their middle order with Reeza Hendricks, David Miller and JP Duminy in the mix as well. What Van der Dussen has shown is that he is gritty and can take a team home to victory – something that is vital in crunch World Cup matches.

Van der Dussen though has crafted his skill in numerous countries and tournament around the world and is no ‘wet behind the ears’ youngster. In fact, his progression from the domestic scene to international cricket can be likened to the Australian Michael Hussey, who began his international career at the relatively late age of 28.

Van der Dussen’s rise is a steady climb rather than an extravagant leap with stints at various teams in England, Ireland, Netherlands, Canada and the Caribbean. He has performed wherever he has been needed and the stats don’t lie. He excelled for the Jozi Stars in the Msanzi Super League topping the batting charts with 469 runs at a strike rate of 138.75 to take them to the title.

Van der Dussen has laid the foundation for his international career in the series against Pakistan – now he only needs to build on it brick by brick with more runs and a century in the future.

The stats speak for themselves:

ODIs:

Matches played – 5

Half-centuries – 3

Average – 120.50

Runs – 241

Strike Rate – 76.26

First-class:

Matches: 110

 Average: 43.59 (110 matches played)

Matches: 110

Highest score: 175

Hundrerds: 15

Fifties: 39

List A

Matches: 89

Average: 45.68

Highest score: 134*

Strike rate: 74.19

Hundreds: 8

Fifties: 18

T20:

Matches: 84

Highest score: 112*

Average: 36.90

Strike Rate: 129.38

Hundreds: 3

Fifties: 18