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A few years ago, Claude Henderson and Paul Adams were approached by media to give their reasons on why South Africa seemingly had no spinners that could play the role that spinning duo Muttiah Muralitharan and Shane Warne played for their respective cricket teams. The answer was that there was a lack of coaching of this effective bowling craft at school and grass roots level, coupled with the lack of spin friendly pitches in South Africa.
Fast forward a few years and It is no secret that Pakistan-born Imran Tahir rules the South African roost of spinners in the two short formats of the game (After his performances in the World Cup I am tempted to extend his rule to the world). He is a wrist spinner who has a knack of perplexing even the most established batsmen into “nothing strokes” with his guile and “never say die” attitude. T20 has rejuvenated the need for spin in the modern day era, not only as a wicket taking component of a bowling attack but also tying up an end which often yields a wicket.
Enter the relatively unknown Eddie Leie, a wrist spinner. Eddie Leie has been instrumental in not only the Highveld Lions domestic T20 campaign but also their success in their four-day game. Nominated for CSA player T20 player of the year, it is seen as reward for a consistent seen. If being nominated was not enough, he has been selected in the T20 squad that will tour Bangladesh in June/July 2015. It is uncommon in cricket circles to include two wrist spinners in a team or a squad, making Leie’s selection even that more significant because before Tahir joined the Dolphins, Leie was bowling in his shadows at the Highveld Lions. That did not deter Leie, who has persevered through the CSA ranks (having represented SA A as well in 2014).
Although one cannot guarantee that Leie will get a bowl in the T20 series, his inclusion into the squad alongside Tahir and fellow lions teammates Aaron Phangiso and Kagiso Rabada, CSA has delivered him an appetiser to continue to work harder as an opportunity in sport can come knocking at any time.
