South Africa A vs. India A: Beuran Hendricks Takes 11-63, Test Debut Coming?

Beuran Hendricks has caught the attention of the cricket world after taking 11 wickets in the match as South Africa A swept aside India A by 121 runs in their second unofficial Test in Pretoria on Tuesday.

Hendricks, a left-arm seamer, took 5-36 in the first innings, then went even better in the second by taking 6-27 the next time out, for match figures of 11-63.

It was an outstanding contribution, and a match-winning one, as the Cricinfo scorecard highlights.

"

Well bowled beuldy fella! Proud #Showa @Beuran_H13. PS worthy a pair of NB SPIKES miskien!!!!!

— Dane Piedt (@dane_piedt63) August 27, 2013"

"A" internationals are usually a stepping stone to full Test level, and Hendricks, just 23 years old, has laid down a marker that he could be considered.

Certainly, his first-class record coming into this game is highly impressive:

However, there is perhaps no nation quite as well-stocked when it comes to fast bowlers as South Africa.

Dale Steyn and Vernon Philander are ranked first and second in the world rankings, while the other fast bowler in the line-up, Morne Morkel, is currently 11th—and ranked seventh of all the quicks.

The seam bowlers are also fortunate that the legendary all-rounder Jacques Kallis is still fit enough to bowl several overs of seam-up, meaning that breaking into the team is hard enough to do.

A host of talented bowlers, including Marchant de Lange (22), Wayne Parnell (24), Juan Theron (28) and Rory Kleinveldt (30) have also been used in various formats by the Proteas in recent times, and they no doubt have designs on breaking into the team as well.

South Africa have eight Tests coming up between now and next spring—two against Pakistan, three against India and three against Australia.

As you can see from the modest average in List A cricket, above, Hendricks may also be at a disadvantage in that there are others ahead of him when it comes to getting a game for South Africa in ODI cricket to gain exposure at the international level.

What is clear, though, is that Hendricks, who hails from Cape Town and plays his cricket there for the Cape Cobras and Western Province, will be a player to watch when the South Africa domestic season gets underway in October.

"

Very pleased to see Cobras ace Beuran Hendricks taking a eleven-for vs India A. They make 'em tough in Bellville. #FutureStar

— Antoinette Muller (@mspr1nt) August 27, 2013"