The forgotten Proteas ‘Bulldozer’ stealing Aussie hearts
Colin Ingram is lighting up the Big Bash T20 to remind South African cricket that he's one of the bigger losses to the local game.
Colin Ingram is proving his worth in Australia. (Photo by Brett Hemmings/Getty Images)
When former Proteas who’ve ditched the national side for a Kolpak contract are mentioned, it’s usually Kyle Abbott or Rilee Rossouw.
It’s probably not surprising given their rather high-profile exits almost exactly a year ago.
Yet the Big Bash – Australia’s highly successful domestic T20 competition – has shed light on another forgotten man: Colin Ingram.
The 32-year-old left-hander has been in prime form for the Adelaide Strikers, who signed him as one of their overseas players.
After a slow start, Ingram has shot up in the run-scoring charts after successive knocks of 66 off 44 balls and 48 off 31 and is being hailed by Australian media as one of the best signings this season.
They’ve even quickly warmed up to his nickname “Bulldozer”, given to him by his grandmother for “bulldozing around” as child.
Now, he’s even the frontrunner to replace Travis Head – included in the Aussies’ ODI squad – as the Strikers’ captain.
“It is a role I’ve been comfortable with in various teams I have played so it is not an issue at all,” Ingram told local media.
“Dizzy (Strikers coach Jason Gillespie) has spoken to me about it.”
That’s actually quite a glowing endorsement for the South African, who admits he took a bit of time to get going with the bat.
“It’s nice to have had some time in the middle,” said Ingram.
“Batting at No 4 has been a bit of a new role for me. I need to settle in but it’s been great to be contributing. It’s just been about freeing myself up.”
The Warriors stalwart had been criticised previously for not making most of his chances at international level.
He averaged just under 33 in his 31 ODIs for the Proteas and actually boasts a pretty good T20 international record.
But another failed stab at internationals in late 2013 Ingram was dropped for good.
In mid-2015, he started a three-year Kolpak stint with English county Glamorgan while continuing to be a senior player for the Warriors.
Ironically, some observers now argue the national selectors that Ingram’s newfound maturity – he’s still one of the most dangerous batters in franchise cricket – should’ve translated into one more chance for the Proteas, especially in light of South Africa’s general depth issues.
However, it seems too late now.
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