After a frustrating spell on the sidelines, South African allrounder Wiaan Mulder is eager to make his mark again in the ongoing Test series against Pakistan. Having spent the past four weeks recovering from a broken finger sustained in the Durban Test against Sri Lanka, Mulder is back in the squad and ready to contribute to what has been a defining summer for South African cricket.
A Frustrating Layoff
Mulder’s injury came in late November 2024, courtesy of a blow from Sri Lanka pacer Lahiru Kumara. Despite the fracture, Mulder showed immense grit by returning to bat in both innings of the Durban Test when South Africa desperately needed runs. But the extended recovery period that followed kept him out of action, forcing him to watch from the sidelines.
“I hate watching cricket,” Mulder admitted at Newlands ahead of the second Test against Pakistan. “Especially when you’re in a position where you feel like you’re playing well and could have filled some gaps.”
The injury disrupted what had been his most consistent run in the team since his debut in 2019. Before the setback, Mulder had played five consecutive Tests, cementing his role as a dependable allrounder.
Emerging Confidence
For Mulder, the past few years have been pivotal in developing his self-belief. Since debuting in 2019, he has often been caught in the shadow of South Africa’s deep pool of allrounders and fast bowlers. But a strong domestic season and improved performances at the international level have boosted his confidence.
- Batting Form: In the 2023-24 South African summer, Mulder thrived batting at No. 5 for the Lions, finishing as the tournament’s third-highest run-scorer. At the Test level, he has scored his maiden hundred and a half-century in recent months, averaging 64.50 across his last seven innings.
- Bowling Returns: In his last five Tests, Mulder has taken 10 wickets at an average of 18.20, maintaining an economy rate under three runs per over.
These performances, combined with his growing contributions in the slips, have reinforced his value to the team.
“I’ve got a hundred now at international level. I’ve put in match-winning performances in England and taken key wickets. I feel like I’m worthy of being here,” Mulder said.
The Role of Competition
South Africa’s recent history is rich with seam-bowling allrounders like Dwaine Pretorius, Andile Phehlukwayo, and now Marco Jansen and Corbin Bosch. The latter two have impressed this summer, with Jansen leading the wicket charts and Bosch making a sensational debut with a four-for and an unbeaten 81.
Despite the competition, Mulder sees it as healthy and necessary for the team’s success.
“When I was younger, it would have affected me a lot more. But now, I don’t want someone else to fail for me to get in,” Mulder explained. “The culture is so important in this team. We need to support each other because when it comes to crunch time, that’s what will help us win big moments.”
South Africa’s Grit and Growth
Mulder embodies South Africa’s fighting spirit, which has been a hallmark of their successful summer. The team has endured ups and downs, including an ODI whitewash at the hands of Pakistan and tense finishes in Test cricket.
He highlighted the team’s ability to rise in high-pressure situations, such as their dramatic two-wicket win against Pakistan in the Boxing Day Test, where Kagiso Rabada and Jansen’s 51-run ninth-wicket stand sealed the victory.
“We never give up. We’re always fighting,” Mulder said. “But we’re trying to change the narrative—to throw the first punch, rather than fighting back from being punched to the floor.”
The Road Ahead
As South Africa prepares for the second Test against Pakistan, Mulder is expected to replace Bosch in the XI. His return bolsters both the batting and bowling departments and could play a crucial role in ending the summer on a high.
With South Africa already through to the World Test Championship Final, Mulder’s contributions in the upcoming matches could further solidify his position in the squad, ensuring he’s not just filling a spot but actively winning games for his country.
“I’m here to win a game for my country,” Mulder reiterated. “I’m not just here to fill a spot.”
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