UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Zaahier Adams

Rilee Rossouw believes he is a better player in his second coming for the Proteas.

“REPRESENTING your country is the proudest thing anyone can do and today was emotional for me.”

These are the passionate words every fan wants to hear. A statement that pulls at the heartstrings of loyalty.

But they were from Rilee Rossouw, a young man who turned his back on South Africa in the prime of his international career to pursue a Kolpak and later mercenary globetrotting jaunt as a “gun-for-hire”.

For a batter blessed with an abundance of gifts it was a lucrative option. But it’s legacy that separates the greats from the mere mortals. And that reputation is only forged at the highest level and not in the Shires of England.

Rossouw is “very emotional” about his return to playing for the Proteas. - AFP

In his heart of hearts, Rossouw knows that. He admits “international cricket is the ultimate”. Growing up in Bloemfontein, he would only have dreamt of playing for the Proteas.

Not Hampshire, Somerset, Basnahira Cricket Dundee, Dambulla Giants, Khulna Tigers, Melbourne Renegades, Multan Sultans, Royal Challengers Bangalore or the Quetta Gladiators.

It is why this second coming is so special to him. And also why his actions on that fateful day in January 2017 need to be consigned to the recklessness of youth.

Former national team coach Russell Domingo may never forgive Rossouw for spelling his name wrong in his departure email, but there’s no running away from the fact that the Proteas are a stronger T20 unit with the 32-year-old back in their ranks.

Professional sport is about winning. And Rossouw gives South Africa a better chance of achieving that. That’s all that matters in a World Cup year. He brings a dynamism at the top of the order that was far too heavily dependent on Quinton de Kock since the departures of AB de Villiers and Faf du Plessis.

Rossouw possesses “X-factor”, which puts bowlers under pressure before they even start their run-up. It was on full display in Cardiff where he shrugged off a disappointing return the day before with an undefeated 96 to help the Proteas level the series against England.

He went even one better at the Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore a month later with an undefeated 100 off just 48 balls, which included eight sixes and seven fours.

But does he fully realise just how fortunate he is to have another crack at pulling on the Proteas jumper after giving everyone at Cricket SA the proverbial middle finger?

“I am grateful for where I am right now. To put in a performance like that for your country is really special for me – very emotional, and very proud,” Rossouw said.

“I don’t see it as a free shot.

I’ve got six years of experience around the world, playing in different competitions. I do feel like I’m a much better player than I once was. I’ve put in some really good performances and the management has backed me and selected me.”

So, does Rossouw, who was part of the 2016 T20 World Cup squad and played a pivotal role in the epic 2015 World Cup semi-final in Auckland, believe it will be third time lucky in Australia this time around?

“Everyone wants to play to win a trophy. From what I’ve seen and heard, the Proteas have had a great last year and a half, and obviously it’s about building on that momentum into the World Cup.

“I do believe in my ability to not necessarily win the World Cup by myself because that’s impossible. But to put in a performance to help my team.”

And should Rossouw play a part in bringing home the elusive holy grail, then maybe even Domingo may finally have to grant him amnesty.

The dynamic lefthander lit up the Holkar Cricket Stadium with an undefeated 100 off just 48 balls on the recent India tour. - AFP