Adversity demands the shrewd usage of whatever resource one possesses. The same can be drawn off South African fielding coach Wandile Gwavu’s substitute fielding stint in the second ODI of the ensuing Tri-Nation series between South Africa and New Zealand at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.
Despite losing the toss, South Africa made the most out of batting first as Matthew Breeztke’s 150 on his ODI debut propelled them to a 304-run first innings score. In response, a fifty-run New Zealand opening stand was followed by Kane Williamson and Devon Conway’s mammoth partnership, laying the foundation for the chase on a batting-friendly surface. Just after the southpaw departed for 97, a bizarre incident stole the spotlight in the contest with fielding coach Wandile Gwavu stepping into the field.
During the 37th over, when Daryl Mitchell joined Williamson in the middle, the on-ground camera person focused on an unfamiliar character. South Africa’s fielding coach, Gwavu was seen hovering in the close-in circle, filling the void as a substitute fielder. Previously, the Proteas had named a 12-man squad for the first couple of ODIs as most of their regular cricketers were busy in the SA20 playoffs. A similar incident unfolded last year when coach Jean-Paul Duminy donned the field in the Ireland series.
Fielding coach still got it!
