CALVIN SAVAGE
CALVIN Savage will be juggling textbooks with passports, after the lanky Maritzburg College all-rounder was named in the South Africa U19 squad to tour England in July.
Having recovered from a worrying back injury, Savage says he can hardly wait to represent his country at some of the most prestigious grounds in the United Kingdom.
“I am really excited and I cannot wait to get over there,” he told The Witness yesterday.
“I actually saw the announcement on the Cricket South Africa website after one of my friends had said I had been selected. I didn’t believe him, but I was chuffed when I saw the confirmation,” he added.
Another carrot dangling in front of Savage is that the first match, a one-dayer against England U19, will be televised on British screens.
“I am really hoping to be in that side, and then hopefully kick on from there,” he said excitedly.
Savage has played for the College first XI since 2008, and is currently the captain.
Intriguingly, he has yet to take a five-for in school colours, but has racked up a rich harvest of wickets elsewhere.
“It’s weird, but I hope to set that right before I leave,” he resolved.
Savage also explained that he has fully recovered from his back injury, and that he can’t wait to operate at full throttle again.
“I haven’t bowled too much this year, but I did bowl at full pace in the last game of the term against Westville and felt fine.”
Savage is one of the province’s most promising talents, and with a dearth of fast bowlers coming through the ranks, his development is being watched with interest.
“I would love to play cricket as a career, but we will have to see what the future holds,” he admits.
Savage is close friends with former College star and current Dolphins and Proteas batsman David Miller, and he says he would love to follow in those footsteps.
“I have known Dave for years now, and it is amazing to see how far he has gone. I would obviously love to play with him in the same team,” he added with determination.
Although the tour is exciting enough, the 2010 schools Pro20 player of the year is keen to use the trip as a leg up to another big ambition.
“I am still eligible to go to the U19 World Cup in Australia next year, so hopefully I can do well on this trip and get on that plane, too.”
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