The days of ‘Keegan who?’ are over

For emerging Proteas top order batsman Keegan Petersen, it’s a classic tale of better late than never.

An established first-class campaigner with more than 100 matches under his belt over a 10-year period, Petersen made his long overdue debut only last year against the West Indies in the Caribbean.

The 28-year-old has featured in five Tests so far with a return of 320 runs, at a reasonable average of 35.55, and he considers himself fortunate to finally have the opportunity after many years of persevering.

“I am just happy that I was given the opportunity,” said Petersen, who was the top scorer during SA’s memorable 2-1 Test series win over India with 276 runs at an average of 46.00 in six innings.

Against India, he was the only player to score three half-centuries, recording scores of 72, 82 and 62, and he was also useful with his fielding in the slips as he announced himself on the international stage.

“Even if my debut happened in three or four years’ time, I will still be happy and go out there to try and do the best for my country. You work very hard to get to this stage and you always make sure that whenever the opportunity comes knocking you are ready.”

When he made his debut, Petersen had already celebrated his 27th birthday and he attributes his late arrival at the party to his unfortunate situation low down in the pecking order.

At the Cobras, Petersen struggled to establish himself because of experienced players like Justin Ontong, Andrew Puttick and Dane Vilas — which led to a career-altering move to the Knights in Bloemfontein.

“Most definitely, my decision to move away from the Cobras was purely for playing time and the Knights offered me that — and I will forever be grateful for that.

“It was always going to be difficult going away from home because no one really ever wants to move away from home. But it was forced upon me because it was difficult to break into the Cobras set-up and play regularly.

“At the time they had Justin Ontong and Andrew Puttick ahead of me and it was a bit difficult to come into that environment and stay in the team regularly.”

At the Proteas set-up, the top order was heavily stacked with established campaigners like Jacques Kallis, Hashim Amla, Faf du Plessis, AB de Villiers and JP Duminy.

“We all know where SA cricket was a few years ago with all the big names that have retired. We have gone through that process of the rebuilding phase and surely but slowly the pieces are falling into place.”

Already he is being challenged to climb to the dizzy heights reached by Kallis, Amla, Du Plessis, De Villiers and Duminy, the mainstays of the Proteas batting order for many years.

“I have been under pressure from an early age because there were so many names that I had to live up to and try to fill their boots. I will try to be the best version of myself because I can’t say I am going to be a Hash (Amla) or Jacques Kallis.”

Looking back at the India series, where he was named the player of the series, Petersen is happy with his return.

“It was an emotional and physical rollercoaster ride being in the bubble and also being part of a tense series where there was a lot on the line. But at the same time, it was a nice experience to be able to contribute to the success of the team.

“I have to say that I was confident and always knew that I can do this. It was just the question of actually producing it and that is what I did. So I am grateful for the opportunity.”

Petersen admitted to nerves when facing the frightening Indian seam attack of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Shardul Thakur.

“You try not to be intimidated but you can’t really hide it. These guys will expose you if you are not on your mark because they are exceptional. It was the hardest I had to work for my runs and it was the best attack I have ever come up against in my career.

“They are vastly experienced and they proved to be a handful. Bumrah’s action was difficult enough to face and Shami’s consistency was a different story, it was a tough task but at the same time it was fun,” said Petersen, who credits his father Dirk for planting the cricket seed in him.

Having conquered the Indians, next on his agenda is New Zealand in their two-match Test series next month at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch — there won’t be anyone asking “Keegan who”.