'Scholesy' steps up: Verreynne ready to deliver for Proteas on Lord's stage

IN every sporting team, a player feels most welcome when they have been handed a nickname that speaks to their character. For his sins, Kyle Verreynne has been dubbed 'Scholesy' by his teammates.

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The reference to the ginger hair is obvious, but what set Manchester United legend Paul Scholes apart from many other midfielders was his ability to step up when it mattered most. The century in the searing heat of Dhaka, Bangladesh, last October, as well as the two half-centuries in tough conditions against a potent Australian attack three years ago, have earned Verreynne the respect of his teammates.

At Lord's, on the ultimate stage of the World Test Championship (WTC) final, the Proteas will be looking to their 'Scholesy' to rise to the occasion.

“It’s Lord’s. It’s an ICC final against Australia, who have been the benchmark in Test cricket for so long. It is everything you dream of as a cricketer,” he said.

Verreynne notes that the environment in which he and his teammates currently operate under coach Shukri Conrad and captain Temba Bavuma is the best he's ever been involved in at the national level. “What Shuks and Temba have created is incredible. They encourage each of us to be ourselves, and I think it has brought out the very best of us.”