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Cape Town - Cape Cobras opening batsman Andrew Puttick has drawn inspiration from Australia's Chris Rogers as he attempts to play his way back into the Proteas fold.
Rogers made his long-awaited debut for Australia at age 33.
Puttick, who is now the same age, played one ODI for South Africa against New Zealand in October 2005, but has not featured in the national squad since.
He told the Cobras' official website that he'd like to force his way back into contention by doing what he does best - scoring runs.
“The toughest job in South Africa is opening the batting, especially in conditions conducive to the new ball swinging and seaming around at the coast. If I had played in the middle-order, my average could have been higher,” said Puttick, who averages 41.51 in 139 first-class games.
“I think I have done a really good job the past few seasons (averaging 46.18 in 2013/2014 and contributing 739 runs, and scoring 496 in 2012/2013 at an average of 41.33). I am happy with my numbers.
“I have contributed to the top-order and to the average of guys like Stiaan (van Zyl) and Justin (Ontong) by doing some hard yards up front,” he said.
Asked about his one cap for South Africa, Puttick said he might have been unfortunate to have featured in the same era as Graeme Smith, who represented South Africa for 12 years.
"The past twelve years there have been only two opening spots, and it was difficult to get in there. My average for the South African A-side is almost 50. I cannot seem to get into that side for some reason. My average in South African first-class cricket is maybe the best for openers except for Dean Elgar. It is quite frustrating.
“By I’m not someone who would hassle the selectors. I would like to be noticed by putting runs on the board,” he continued.
And when asked about his future ambitions, Puttick was clear: “I would like to play Test cricket for South Africa and open the batting."
Rogers made his long-awaited debut for Australia at age 33.
Puttick, who is now the same age, played one ODI for South Africa against New Zealand in October 2005, but has not featured in the national squad since.
He told the Cobras' official website that he'd like to force his way back into contention by doing what he does best - scoring runs.
“The toughest job in South Africa is opening the batting, especially in conditions conducive to the new ball swinging and seaming around at the coast. If I had played in the middle-order, my average could have been higher,” said Puttick, who averages 41.51 in 139 first-class games.
“I think I have done a really good job the past few seasons (averaging 46.18 in 2013/2014 and contributing 739 runs, and scoring 496 in 2012/2013 at an average of 41.33). I am happy with my numbers.
“I have contributed to the top-order and to the average of guys like Stiaan (van Zyl) and Justin (Ontong) by doing some hard yards up front,” he said.
Asked about his one cap for South Africa, Puttick said he might have been unfortunate to have featured in the same era as Graeme Smith, who represented South Africa for 12 years.
"The past twelve years there have been only two opening spots, and it was difficult to get in there. My average for the South African A-side is almost 50. I cannot seem to get into that side for some reason. My average in South African first-class cricket is maybe the best for openers except for Dean Elgar. It is quite frustrating.
“By I’m not someone who would hassle the selectors. I would like to be noticed by putting runs on the board,” he continued.
And when asked about his future ambitions, Puttick was clear: “I would like to play Test cricket for South Africa and open the batting."
