Connor Esterhuizen is rising to the challenge in New Zealand, helping the Proteas level the series 2-2 heading into the Christchurch decider. Photo: AFP
Image: AFP
Proteas wicket-keeper batter Connor Esterhuizen is learning how to deal with pressure and scrutiny as he navigates international cricket in the ongoing tour to New Zealand.
Esterhuizen is currently on his maiden international tour with South Africa, taking part in the ongoing five-match T20I series against New Zealand. During the fourth T20I in Wellington, Esterhuizen blasted 57 off 36, a knock which saw the youngster hit seven boundaries and three maximums, a feat that helped South Africa secure a series-levelling 19-run victory.
As a result, the youngster picked up his first international Player of the Match award, marking his arrival in international cricket. He says he has enjoyed his first experience at this level and has learned invaluable lessons.
"I've loved every second of my first tour with the Proteas," Esterhuizen said on Sunday atter the win.
"The lessons I think I'd take are probably just the pressure and the scrutiny and how to sort of deal with it. I don't think anyone masters how to deal with it or anything like that. But I think the more you do it, the more accustomed you become to it.
"That’s the main message that coach Shuks said to us before the tour, especially us newcomers, that the pressure will be the sort of scrutiny and everything is looked at through a microscope and just how to deal with that. I think those are the lessons I'll probably take back to South Africa."
This season, Esterhuizen has been very impressive across all formats, showing signs of maturity and readiness for higher honours. The top-order batter believes that his game has grown immensely after this year's SA20.
"I'd say I've tried to take my game to another level. I think for most people, the talent is sort of always there, but it's hard to use that talent and the decision-making that comes with it," he said.
"I think, is the key, the higher up you go in this game. I think the second thing is just how to deal with failures, because this game is a game of failures. And when you succeed, you need to take it in. But just how to deal with those failures, the higher you go — it will stand you in good stead."
Keshav Maharaj is the captain for the ongoing tour, providing sound advice and calm for Esterhuizen and the other youngsters, including Nqobani Mokoena, Dian Forrester and Andile Simelane. Having had Maharaj as captain for the Pretoria Capitals in the SA20, Esterhuizen says he enjoys playing under his leadership.
"I love having Kesh as my captain. He was my captain at SA20. And just the compassion and the kindness, but also the excellence he drives from the young guys," said Esterhuizen.
"Everyone in the team is someone that we, as youngsters, can look up to. Just the calmness that he holds himself to, and the rest of the team follows suit. So, it's amazing to have Kesh as captain."
With the series tied 2-2 after four games, the Proteas will look to complete a series victory during the fifth and final T20I in Christchurch on Wednesday.
Earlier, the Proteas Women lost their fourth T20I against their New Zealand counterparts by six wickets. A 55 not out from Annerie Dercksen — which ensured a defendable target of 159/6 was posted — was not enough to ensure victory in a must-win encounter.
The White Fern managed to hunt down the total with nine balls to spare, while also securing an unassailable 3-1 lead in the five-match series.
The women's sides, too, play their fifth and final T20 on Wednesday, before starting a three-match ODI series next week Sunday.