Adams tipping Engelbrecht, Peter as future of SA spinners

KESHAV Maharaj is 35-years-old. So too is Dane Piedt.

- ZAAHIER ADAMS

These were the last two specialist spinners to feature in the Proteas Test side, along with 31-year-old allrounder Senuran Muthusamy.

The leading bowler in the CSA Four-Day series last season was 38-year-old Shaun von Berg, followed closely by 31-year-old Prenalyn Subrayen. And while there's a common belief that spinners have only truly mastered their craft once they have reached their 30’s, the advanced ages of the country’s leading spin bowlers may well pose a problem in the near future.

It is for this reason that Cricket South Africa bowling lead Paul Adams is hoping the upcoming South Africa ‘A tour to the West Indies will unearth a new generation of spinners in the country.

Along with stalwarts Subrayen and Bjorn Fortuin, the touring party also includes Lions leg-spinner Nqaba Peter and Titans’ “offie” Schalk Engelbrecht.

While Nqaba (23) has already had a taste of international action before with the Proteas’ T20 side on last year’s tour to the Windies, Engelbrecht’s selection has certainly surprised many. The 21-year-old only featured in three List A games for the Titans last season without playing any first-class cricket.