South African batsman Matthew Breetzke has revealed that he prepared for his record-breaking ODI innings against England at Lord’s on Thursday by watching Northamptonshire’s dramatic T20 Blast quarter-final victory over Surrey on his iPad, and he hopes to rejoin his county team-mates for Finals Day next Saturday.
Breetzke top-scored with 85 in South Africa’s five-run victory, which gave them their first ODI series win in England since May 1998 – six months before he was born. He became the first man to score 50 in each of his first five ODI innings, and his average in the format is 92.60, following earlier scores of 150, 83, 57, and 88.
“It’s a bit worrying: it can only go downhill for me,” Breetzke said following South Africa’s victory.
“To be honest, it has been a memorable start. I’ve had the opportunity to play on some excellent pitches, and I hope this trend continues. To be honest, I was disappointed not to reach a hundred, because it would have been wonderful to be on the [honours] board.
Breetzke added 147 for the fourth wicket with Tristan Stubbs, another Grey High School graduate, and stated he had relished the opportunity to bat with him. “I used to play cricket with Stubbs when I was younger… We have a great relationship, and I hope it continues in the same direction.”
Breetzke has scored 863 runs for Northants over the last two T20 Blast seasons and recently signed a new two-year, all-format contract with them, but he was unable to attend Wednesday night’s quarter-final at The Oval and watched from his hotel room as Ravi Bopara’s century inspired them to a surprise seven-run victory over South Group winners Surrey.
Blast Finals. Day falls between the second and third T20Is in South Africa’s series against England next week, but Breetzke is not now part of their squad. As a result, he hopes to play at Edgbaston as one of their two overseas players, a feeling shared by Northants skipper David Willey.
“I’m not 100% certain, but I believe I will be [available],” Breetzke stated. “I enjoy playing in England because of the energy and enthusiasm of the audience. I was watching [the quarter-final] in bed on my iPad, via YouTube. It was nerve-racking, but I’m very thrilled for the boys and look forward to meeting them on Finals Day.”
Breetzke said South Africa would celebrate their series win with “a few drinks” before attempting to complete a 3-0 whitewash in Southampton on Sunday, adding that their victory in June’s World Test Championship final had boosted their confidence to new heights. “It all starts with Shukri Conrad…” He’s extremely clear about what he wants, and there are no grey areas.”
Breetzke acknowledged to feeling fatigued following a rigorous schedule this year, but he is aware of the greater picture. “It does get to you sometimes,” he admitted. “But for me, I simply look at it as if I’m extremely grateful to be able to do sports for a job. I just try to seize every chance and make the most of it. “It does not last forever.”
India
