During the opening of the first Class series, which has received a new name, public attention might have been focused on the stars of the Proteas squad, but the real sensation was created by 18-year-old seamer for the Lions team, JJ Basson.
The student from Noordheuwel Matric made an impressive debut at the highest level, taking 11 wickets. Among these successes was a particularly bright spell of 7/62 in the first innings against Boland at the Wanderers stadium.
Basson demonstrated good pace, but more significantly, he knew how to bowl full length, allowing the new ball to swing effectively. His dismissal of Neil Brand in the first innings, when the left-arm bowlers were scattered, was a particularly spectacular moment.
Assessment of the Young Talent's Performance
Lions bowling coach, Allan Donald, exclusively told IOL Sport: 'We witnessed something quite rare and special over the last few days. And for such a young man, the level of maturity and skill for an 18-year-old is simply astonishing.' He continued, recalling another player: 'Honestly, I saw the same thing with Kagiso Rabada when I first saw him. You immediately understand that this guy will become a star. Every time he touched the ball, he had an impact. Every time he bowled a spell, he opened up one side, possessing just good, but not yet high speed. What a find. My God!'
For any left-arm bowler who values their craft, a key element of the arsenal is the ability to bring the ball back to a right-hander by bowling through the wicket and away from the left-hander. Unlike the left-arm seamer from Western Province and teammate to the South African U19 squad, Michael Cruyskamp, who also debuted in the class last week in Newlands, Basson demonstrated a complete set of necessary skills.
Donald noted that Basson knows how to work with right-handers by swinging the ball back and prefers to bowl full length. He added that yesterday Basson took two LBWs, bowling full and straight. 'The right-hander swings the ball back and hits the front pad. And then he dismissed Neil Brand in the first innings, hitting through the gate and into the stumps. And in the second innings, he hit the front pad. So yes, his strength is bringing the ball back to right-handers and bowling to left-handers.'
Donald is also confident that Basson does not possess explosive pace, but his speed is sufficient combined with his other skills. 'At 18 years old, he bowls at about 138 km/h. So, he is around there. We tested him on the field the other day, and he consistently maintained this level. Starting at 140 km/h, and then high 130 km/h. But for an 18-year-old, that is good. However, I must say that what stands out is his manner. He holds the length, bowls a natural full length.'
He also mentioned the player's physical condition: 'He is 6 feet 3 inches tall or more. And I think he will develop, he will work on his stamina. This morning he is a little sore. But that is understandable. But he bowled, yes, I mean, it was very good to watch. Truly, very good to watch. I saw him a couple of years ago when he was bowling in our nets, and I thought: wow, we need to bring this guy closer. That's why he is on the list again today.'
