Brad Schmulian impresses on debut as another South African born talent eyes for a spot in the New Zealand national team

New Zealand has always been brimming with talented cricketers. Even though they do not have a World Cup to show for, they have been extremely consistent in every format of the game. The stars they have produced over the years are of the highest quality and some are even regarded as the legends of the game. However, in recent years, there have been many foreign-born players making it to their first-class cricket.

There have been many South African players who have gone on to play for New Zealand. Colin Munro, Neil Wagner, BJ Watling, Grant Elliot to name a few. There are a lot of other players who have played FC cricket in the country. The Central Districts, however, introduced another talent to the big stage. A South Africa born New Zealander played his debut game in the Plunket Shield.

Brad Schmulian – Debut double centurion

Brad, born in Cape Town moved to Auckland with his parents when he was nine years old. After failing to get an opportunity with the Aces he made a move to Hawke’s and scored a double century on his first-class debut. He is the first ever batter to do so in New Zealand. The last batsman to even get close to a double century on debut was George Watson in 1880-81.

Brad sprung to fame with his knock of 203 against the Northern Districts. He is now one of the many South African born players to play in the Plunket Shield. His double century, however, did not result in a win at Tauranga’s bay as the game ended in a draw.

Some more South African talent in New Zealand

Evan Jones, an all-rounder from Pretoria and Willem Ludick from the same town have relocated their pledges. Both of the former South African under-19 cricketers have shifted to New Zealand and have played in the some of the domestic competitions as well. They were lured in by Stags coaches de Wet and Heinrich Malan, both of them handling the Dolphin’s team not long ago.

Another player who initiated in the rainbow nation Devon Conway played much of the first-class cricket in South Africa. He has an average of 42 in the South African domestic circuit. However, the player has shifted his loyalties and has moved to New Zealand. He is currently playing for Wellington Club University and is eyeing up a spot in the national team alongside some of the other South African born talents.