The Proteas’ opening batter Tony de Zorzi also believes the young and exciting Tristan Stubbs has a bright future in test cricket.

The Proteas are in Guyana for the second Test against the West Indies, and both players will go into the game in good nick. De Zorzi scored 78 and 45 in Port of Spain, while Stubbs scored 68 off 50 in the second innings for his maiden Test fifty.

De Zorzi told OFM Sport that Stubbs, who celebrates his 24th birthday on Wednesday (14/8), is a fine player with a bright future.

“With regards to Tristan Stubbs, he is probably one of the most talented guys whom I’ve played with, so there was no real doubt in my mind that eventually he will come right,” said the Western Province captain.

“He’s one of those guys who can play all the formats, and I think he’s a real, real talent. His second innings knock probably gave him a bit of relief as well just so that he could have that same feeling that he belongs in the format.

“I’m sure he is going to be pretty exciting going forward, and I’m sure that he will develop different ways to play. I don’t think he is only going to be a guy that hits – he has a very good technique and hits the ball very late. As he gets older and gets more comfortable, he is definitely going to thrive.”

Tony de Zorzi. Photo: Cricinfo

De Zorzi himself has played only five tests for South Africa and thus far has amassed 268 runs. His 85 in the first innings is his highest score to date, but he certainly looks comfortable opening the batting. While he is averaging just 29.77 at the moment one cannot help but feel his maiden century is not far off.

Regarding his form, De Zorzi added that his maiden ton will come when the time is right, but for now, he is putting in the work to make it happen in hopefully not the too distant future.

“It will come when it’s supposed to and I’m doing the work intended for me to get it, and I’m pretty comfortable with my game. Hopefully, the next time I go out to bat the ball won’t hit my glove and I’ll be able to get over the line.”

The second Test in Province is scheduled to start tomorrow at 16:00.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg