Former Bellville Cricket Club batsman Dawid Malan has been included in England’s squad for the third Test against South Africa.
Essex batsman Tom Westley, who played league cricket for Claremont Cricket Club, has also been named in the 13-man party.
Malan played for Bellville Cricket Club in the Western Province Cricket Association premier league as recently as February 2015, while Westley’s stint with Claremont Cricket Club preceded that.
The 29-year-old Malan enjoyed a successful international debut in late June’s Twenty20 series decider against the Proteas at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff, Wales. He struck a brisk 78, which included a dozen fours and two towering sixes, in the Man of the Match performance. His first-class average, meanwhile, is less than 39.
The 28-year-old Westley recently struck a telling, unbeaten century against South Africa A at New Road in Worcester – and averages under 38 in first-class competition.
“I’m desperate to play for England, it would an absolute honour,” Westley told The Independent.
“I’ve felt good the last few years at Essex. My first-class record has been very good. I’ve scored runs for the Lions and scored runs against the touring first-class teams – I’ve been in a good space for a number of years. So if there’s ever a time to play it would be now.
“I’d like to think facing international attacks brings the best out of me. Whether I raise my game or whether my game is just suited to that, I don’t know until I’m exposed to it at Test level. But I can just take a lot of confidence from the fact I’ve scored those runs against some good bowlers and good attacks. It puts me in quite a good place.”
The third Test will get underway at The Oval in London on 27 July 2017. The fourth will follow at Old Trafford in Manchester. England won the first at Lord’s and England the second at Trent Bridge.