Young South African batting sensation Lhuan-dre Pretorius, 19, is making waves in Test cricket, not just with his impressive scores but also with his surprisingly candid views on boredom.
A Rapid Rise in Cricket
Lhuan-dre Pretorius is quickly becoming a household name in South African cricket. The wicketkeeper-batsman recently debuted in Tests against Zimbabwe, where he smashed an incredible 153 runs.
This century broke Graeme Pollock’s 1963 record for the youngest South African centurion. His strong form continued in a recent match where he contributed a swift 78 runs off just 87 balls.
Pretorius has shown a remarkable ability to convert his half-centuries into hundreds, reaching 50 seven times and turning five of those into centuries across international formats.
Tackling the “Boredom” Challenge
Despite his success, Pretorius is remarkably open about a common challenge for his generation: boredom. Growing up with fast-paced T20 cricket, the extended periods of Test matches can be a mental hurdle.
After his debut century, he reflected on this, acknowledging that the longer format can feel quite long. However, he emphasized that playing for his country prevents him from getting bored during a game.
Fuelled by the Fight
Interestingly, Pretorius finds unique ways to stay engaged. During his debut Test, opposition sledging actually worked in his favor. He told SA Cricket that he enjoys the “chirping” as it “keeps me in the fight and it keeps me going.”
This competitive spirit helps him maintain focus over long innings. He stated, “Didn’t get bored once. It helped me stay in the fight.”
A Deep Love for Batting
Beyond the match environment, Pretorius admits to getting restless when he’s not batting. He sees batting as a hobby and often needs to be “kicked out of nets” because he loves it so much.
His teammates can attest to his restlessness when he’s off the field. “When I get out, it’s really tough. If you ask anyone, they’ll say I get bored, I get really bored. I always sit with my bat in my hand,” he shared.
The Test Match Ethos
Pretorius views Test cricket with a serious sense of responsibility. He believes he cannot take anything for granted once he’s at the crease. His goal is always to score runs and not give his wicket away cheaply.
His approach is simple: focus on each ball and avoid watching the scoreboard. For him, every delivery is a “new adventure,” allowing him to concentrate fully on the task at hand.
- Lhuan-dre Pretorius is the youngest South African to score a Test century.
- He converts 50s into 100s at an impressive rate in international cricket.
- Sledging helps him stay focused and engaged during long innings.
- He openly admits to getting bored when not batting, highlighting his deep passion for the game.
Pretorius’s blend of youthful talent and unique mental fortitude marks him as a player to watch in the world of cricket.