BRILLIANT BOSCH South Africa's Corbin Bosch prepares to deliver a ball during the third day of the first cricket Test match between South Africa and Pakistan at SuperSport Park in Centurion on December 28, 2024. (Photo by Phill Magakoe/AFP
Image: Phill Magakoe/AFP
Watching Corbin Bosch make an incredible Test debut for the Proteas last month, was an emotional time for former South Africa fast bowler Fanie de Villiers.
Bosch was five-years-old when his father Tertius died at the age of 33 in 2000. Tertius was a hugely successful South African fast bowler, having played 68 first class and 80 limited overs matches. He also played in South Africa’s first Test match after isolation.
However, when Tertius died after a short illness it left Corbin and his one-year-old brother Eathan without a father.
Both sons though have gone on to become phenomenal cricketers in their own right, with Corbin making his international bow first.
De Villiers who partnered Tertius with the new ball at Northerns in Centurion in the late 80s until the mid 90s, was left with a lump in his throat when he watched Corbin make his Test debut at the same ground in the Boxing Day Test against Pakistan.
“It was absolutely emotional to watch Tertius’ son make his Test debut, and it was a privilege to be able to commentate on the same day,” De Villiers told SportsBoom.com.
“Most people thought the younger brother Eathan had surpassed Corbin and was more likely to be selected for the national team, but Corbin really used his opportunity."
“When I think of what I put into my boys in anticipation of them being cricketers, it’s amazing what Corbin and Eathan have achieved. They never had a father, so to make it is incredible and they are both such good cricketers.”
Corbin went on to make an incredible debut as the allrounder made 81 not out in the first innings and returned match figures of 5/117.
“It’s wonderful to be able to phone and congratulate them. It’s just such a pity that I couldn’t phone Tertius. But when there is no dad around, then you need a special teacher or coach to give the kid a chance. And because they lost their dad, Eathan and Corbin are big supporters of each other, and you could tell the pride of Eathan was massive on the side of the field.”
“Guys like myself and the Bosch sons, we need a full run-up because we rely on momentum. Tertius played action [indoor] cricket and was the fastest in the country in that sport, he could break your ribs. He was the same sort of bowler as Sylvester Clarke, but quicker than him when they were both at Northerns.”
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