'SCHOLES' HAS GOALS

KYLE Verreynne, affectionately nicknamed “Scholesy” by his teammates for both his ginger hair and clutch performances, has become a vital cog in the Proteas’ Test team.

The nickname draws inspiration from Manchester United legend Paul Scholes, known for delivering under pressure - something Verreynne has mirrored with key innings like his century in Bangladesh last October and two half-centuries against Australia three years ago.

At Lord’s, on the ultimate stage of the World Test Championship final from next Wednesday, the Proteas will be looking to their Scholesy to rise to the occasion.

Verreynne wyses: “It’s Lord’s. It’s an ICC final, against Australia, who have been the benchmark in Test cricket for so long. It is everything you dream of as a cricketer.”

Verreynne notes that the environment in which he and his brasse currently operate under coach Shukri Conrad and captain Temba Bavuma is the best he has ever been involved in at the national level. “What Shuks and Temba have created is incredible. They encourage each of us to be ourselves, and I think it has brought out the very best of us.”

Verreynne has made a happy habit of scoring runs at exactly the tempo the team requires.

“My job at six or seven is not always about scoring big runs. Sometimes it’s a quick 40 to set a target, or a fighting 30, batting with the bowlers. It is always very nice to contribute to the team and make an impact on the game.”

This adaptability is a hallmark of the selfless approach that he has brought to the side. Sometimes misunderstood, the 28-year-old notes his own list of attributes that he tries to bring to the Proteas table.

“To me, character is about a few things: never giving up; getting it done; showing fight.”