16 Interesting facts about Jacques Rudolph

South African Jacques Rudolph has shown his class in both Tests and the English domestic games. A stylish top order left handed batsman, he was known for his compact technique and the ability to face any type of bowling attack. His career wasn’t a smooth ride at all. His debut was surrounded by controversies. But, when got the opportunity he made it an instant impact. But, after enjoying few years at the top, he moved to England to play under the Kolpak deal. His career again took a turn after he came back to his home country and make a comeback into the national team. He made a stunning comeback but, unfortunately, could not keep his place in the team.

1.Born on:

Jacobos Andries Rudolph was born on May 4, 1981, Springs, Transvaal

2. Education:

Rudolph attended Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool, a popular and renowned public school located in Pretoria.

3. Brother also a professional cricketer:

He has younger brother Gerhardus Johannes Rudolph who is also a professional cricketer. The 28-year-old batsman plays for Namibia at the international level.

4. Scintillating debut:

Rudolph made a very memorable debut for South Africa against Bangladesh in 2003. Playing at Chittagong, the left-hander scored an unbeaten 222, stitching 429 runs stand with Boeta Dippenaar for the 3rd wicket to propel his team to a formidable 470/2 in the 2nd innings. The partnership was the first 400-plus stand for South Africa in Test cricket. This knock remains the best performance of his career.

5. Unlucky:

Rudolph could have made his debut a year prior to his record-breaking entrance in Test cricket. The top order batsman was selected for the New Year’s Test in Australia in January 2002 but his selection was  over-ruled by United Cricket Board president Percy Sonn due to the South African practice of obeying a ‘quota’ of non-white players. He was replaced by Justin Ontong debut instead.

6. Young promise:

Rudolph was named the South African Cricket Annual Cricketer of the Year in 2003.

7. Domestic Cricket:

Rudolph plays for the Nashua Titans in South Africa. He represented the Gestetner Diamond Eagles and Northerns.

8. Sign Kolpak deal with Yorkshire:

Rudolph was dropped from the national team in 2005 due a poor string of performances. Soon, after  the omission, the cricketer declared himself unavailable for selection by South Africa after agreeing to join Yorkshire under the Kolpak ruling he stated he did not want to represent South Africa.

9. England dreams:

It is reported that the left-handed batsman hoped to play international cricket again, possibly England. He also qualified by residency after deciding to buy a house and live permanently in Yorkshire

10. Successful stint with the apex club:

He had a very successful stint with his club side. In 2008, Rudolph was awarded the Players’ Player, and fans’ Player of the Year awards. He was also received Yorkshire CCC Players’ player of the year in 2010.

11. Record-breaking County Championship debut:

Rudolph made a record-breaking century debut against Surrey at The Oval County Championship. After a shaky start by Yorkshire, Rudolph alongside promising all-rounder Adil Rashid weaved 190 run stand for the 6th wicket. The combined efforts eventually broke a record 6th wicket partnership against Surrey for Yorkshire previously held by George Hirst and Irving Washington who posted 134 in 1902. Rudolph scored 122before getting out.

12. Make it three centuries on the trot:

After the fabulous knock in his Championship debut, Rudolph went on to smash two more consecutive centuries against Worcestershire (129*) and Durham (104*).

13. His finest championship moment:

After piling on three tons, Rudolph then racked up a double century against Warwickshire. He ended with 1078 runs at 56.73 at the end of the season.

14. Returns home a year before maturity of contract:

Rudolph left Yorkshire a year before the contract would expire. This was because he and his could return to South Africa to be closer to family.

15. Stint with the Titans and South Africa comeback:

Upon returning to South Africa, Rudolph joined his old team Titans and showcased some wonderful performances. These performances helped him claim a re-stake for a place in the national team. His hard work paid off as eventually made a comeback to the team in 2011.

16. Joins Glamorgan:

In 2013, Rudolph signed a two-year contract with Glamorgan subject to approval from the South African Cricket Board. He replaced Australian Marcus North as Glamorgan’s overseas player. He stayed with the club for the 2015 season and has been announced as their continued overseas player for the 2016 season.