Globetrotting batsman Cameron Delport is still determined to debut for the Proteas in T20I cricket.
Delport is uncapped at international level, but has featured in several domestic leagues around the world.
He is currently playing for the Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
The hard-hitting left-hander has also been involved in the Bangladesh Premier League, Indian Premier League, Caribbean Premier League, T20 Blast in the United Kingdom, Australia’s Big Bash League and other domestic T20 tournaments.
He was also a key member of the Paarl Rocks’ title-winning campaign in the 2019 Mzansi Super League.
The 32-year-old Delport has, admittedly, struggled for form recently. His last five innings in the PSL have yielded just 13 runs. Earlier this year, he represented the Deccan Gladiators in the Abu Dhabi T10. There, his closing three innings brought a mere 10 runs.
“My dream to play international T20 cricket is more alive than ever. Yes, I know that my performances have not been up to the standards that I set for myself and that you know me as a T20 cricketer,” Delport wrote on social media this week.
“I know that I am letting the team down, plus the fans as a result. And for that I am sorry. There are always going to be challenges along the way and right now it feels like a massive one for me to overcome.
“But despite all the negative messages and comments, I’m only using this as fuel to motivate myself to be back at my best again. This sport is not for the faint-hearted and you can’t let the negatives weigh you down.
“I’m using this time to assess and reflect on the areas that need improvement, but I can guarantee you that I’ll come back stronger than ever.”
Delport has been contracted by KwaZulu-Natal Inland ahead of South Africa’s domestic 2021-22 season.