Heino Kuhn - "Most fun I've ever had watching a game!"

  There is a good reason that most players say the same thing after making their international debut, and that’s because it is the truth! I’m sorry if everyone has heard it before, but it really was a dream come true.

    Ever since I was five or six years old I was the kid hitting a ball whenever I could, right up until bed time, and I always dreamed of playing for my country. When I was called up to the T20 squad it was hard to believe that had actually taken the first major step towards winning a cap.

    I had to pinch myself when I actually joined up with the players just to make certain that it wasn’t still a dream. Guys like Mark Boucher, Graeme Smith and Jacques Kallis, to share a team room with them and to regard myself as a team mate was amazing.

    One of the most special moments, before I actually played on Sunday, was when Jacques came to me quietly and said that, if I ever wanted to talk about batting, any aspect of batting, or if I wanted to talk about international cricket – anything, really – then his door was always open. I will cherish that invitation and will be sure to take him up on it whenever I can.

    The Standard Bank Pro20 series came and went all too quickly as far as I am concerned but having a taste of international cricket and what it means to be a Protea has made me more determined than ever before to fight for a regular place.

    I’m not really a T20 specialist but I did well for the Emerging Players squad in Australia where I averaged over 50 with the bat and that was the reason I was given a chance. In first-class cricket I have always opened the batting and kept wicket for the Titans and I love doing both jobs.

    At the moment I’m still celebrating my first cap and don’t want to think any further ahead except to say that I’m more ambitious than ever. Provincial wicket keepers have been kept out of the running for higher honours for over a decade by the phenomenal Bouch but, if and when he ever hands the gloves over, I want to be at the front of the queue to take over.

    I couldn’t have hoped for a better debut in terms of home ground and four Titans team mates to share the moment with. Graeme and Loots would have been too good for any attack in the world with form like that and it was an absolute pleasure to sit back and watch – probably the most fun I’ve ever had watching rather than playing.

    I hope to be back soon…!