Since their first confrontation on a cricket pitch when they were around 12 years old, Rilee Rossouw and Reeza Hendricks have been an integral part of South Africa’s future ambitions.
Playing international cricket was going to be more of a right than an aspiration because of something about them both that was so clear.
And that is what happened. They progressed through the junior ranks at Free State and Griquas respectively practically concurrently until combining for the first time in the SA Schools XI back in 2007. The following year, they lost together in the Under-19 World Cup final in Kuala Lumpur.
It served as the cornerstone of their relationship, which was further cemented throughout the early years of their professional careers with the Eagles/Knights, when they almost enjoyed terrorizing domestic bowlers.
Watching them together was very interesting because of their distinct approaches. Hendricks purred with flair and elegance, whereas Rossouw was the butcher with the scything blade.
In the end, it resulted in Proteas call-ups within a few months of one another in 2014, and Hendricks was instantly asked to explain why they had such a great time batting together.
We belong to two distinct categories of players. Because of the stark contrast between our games, we are complementary to one another. We’ve had success working together in the past for whatever reason. He strikes several targets,” Hendricks said at the time.
When we are in the crease together, we don’t talk much. We just remind one another to take it easy and play it as you see fit.
Unfortunately, a number of factors have prevented them from reaching their full potential, despite being named as the players who would continue on the South African batting dynasty that previously included legends like AB de Villiers and Hashim Amla.
As luck would have it, they have the chance to make up for all the mistakes of the past by bringing the T20 World Cup back to their country from Australia even though they are 33 years old and certainly closer to the end of their careers than the beginning.
Since Rossouw’s self-imposed exile from the national squad during his time at Kolpak, they have undoubtedly welcomed their reunion.
When Rossouw hit 96 not out in only his second game back against England in Cardiff’s second T20 international, neither skipped a beat and were in perfect rhythm. As the two turned back time with a 73-run match-winning partnership, Hendricks timed the ball as perfectly as he has ever done in international cricket.
After being asked to open the innings in the absence of Quinton de Kock and skipper Temba Bavuma, they were at it again in the warm-up match against New Zealand earlier in the week, putting up a 66-run partnership in only seven overs.
The friendship is still going strong, as seen by Rossouw’s appreciation of his close friend after the Proteas’ second warm-up game against Bangladesh was postponed yesterday in Brisbane owing to inclement weather.
“Reeza and I have a long history. To bat alongside him is always a pleasure because he always contributes something extra to the game. If given the opportunity to compete in the World Cup, I hope he can show the world what he is made of in top form,” Rossouw added.
He plays considerably better today than he did then. Compared to when we first began, we are all much better players. Throughout our professions, we have gained a lot of knowledge, particularly through our shared experiences and each other.
Despite the fact that Hendricks just amassed five half-centuries in his last seven international innings and Rossouw recently hit his first T20 international century, there is still no word on whether the two will be able to team up for the Proteas in the T20 World Cup.
But there is little doubt that, if necessary, they would encourage one another to finish the task they began over 20 years ago.