Tanveer Sangha was exercising in the gym when he was informed that he would soon make his international debut for Australia. It didn’t matter that Sangha had just arrived in Durban less than twenty-four hours ago or that he would be apprehensive donning the Australia cap for the first time. Because, when he strolled out to bowl against South Africa in the first Twenty20 International, he appeared as composed as he did during his numerous Big Bash League periods. No wonder he returned with 4 for 31, and no surprise captain Mitchell Marsh was ecstatic.
“I don’t think Tanveer’s heart rate gets over 100,” Marsh said after Australia’s 111-run win. “He was in the gym when he found out, he was pretty chilled and said he’s ready to go. It appears he keeps it very simple which will hold him in good stead for top-level cricket.
“His demeanour is fantastic. Just really proud of him. To come in and have a debut like that was brilliant to see. He’s got a great smile so hopefully we see it for many years to come.”
Due to a stress fracture that kept him sidelined all of last season, Sangha, who is only 21 years old, did not have much cricket experience when he arrived. However, the manner in which he bowled, tossing the ball to Dewald Brevis and then defeating Tristan Stubbs in the air and off the wicket, belied his lack of cricket experience.
“Tanveer’s a ripping young kid,” Marsh further said. “What we’ve seen him do in the Big Bash… tonight was no different so it was great to see someone like him, his mindset, not being nervous – I’m sure he was nervous but you couldn’t tell, so the way he bowled was outstanding.”
“He is a very attacking bowler. Like Zamps, he’s a wicket-taker for us. We use him through the middle overs when we know teams will have to come hard at them. There’ll be days when they go for runs, but we back them in to take wickets through the middle and it’s a really important role for us. So for Tanveer to come in and fill in for Zamps in this game and do a really good job for us, it’s a great sign for Australian cricket.”
