Wiaan Mulder primed for Proteas Test return at Newlands

Mulder has been out of action for four weeks since fracturing a finger in the first Test against Sri Lanka in Durban and was declared not yet match-fit for the series opener against Pakistan in Centurion on Boxing Day.

Since taking the reins as Proteas Test mentor in January 2023, Conrad has made no secret of his admiration for the skills that Mulder brings to balance the starting line-up, which sees him bat in the top seven and bowl crucial spells with his seamers.

The 26-year-old's performances in the Test team in the last six months of 2024 has certainly backed up Conrad's insistence to give Mulder greater responsibility for the Proteas who have now reached the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

The Lions all-rounder struck his maiden fifty in the first Test against Bangladesh in October while also sharing the new ball with Kagiso Rabada and taking four wickets in the game.

Mulder then followed that up with a century in the second Test while he has also taken ten wickets in his last five Tests at an economy rate of under three runs an over.

If you combine all those numbers it is easy to see why Conrad has not been shy to back Mulder, something the player says he has got from the coach since they worked together in the national academy in 2017.

Speaking to reporters at Newlands on Wednesday, Mulder said: "I think Shuks has backed me from academy days. He was my academy coach from back then.

"He's always said to me that he thinks I can play a massive part in South African cricket and not just in this team but in all the teams if I manage to pull my finger.

"So I think the important thing is it's really nice to be backed by somebody. Not just because he's the head coach, but somebody that believes in me away from all the extra nonsense.

"You don't feel like you're playing for your life every time you play. You sum up conditions better, you're more present. You can really focus on what you have to do to win a game or at least contribute.

"With Shuks being the type of character who creates that freedom and backs so many players, we all play for a similar reason. The big goal was to get to this WTC final and not really worry about whether you're playing or not playing. It's about what you can do to contribute in order for us to get there and hopefully win."

Mulder also said a large part of his recent consistent performances at the highest level was due to a successful stint with English county side Leicestershire, who he played for from April 2022 until June 2024.

He added: "In my heart I wasn't always sure I was good enough to consistently put in performances at this level. I don't think anyone really knows until you play and you do it.

"So I think the only difference now is I've had a couple of seasons in England where I've put in match-winning performances. There are a lot of good things I can look back on and rely on when it's difficult out there, things that say I'm worthy.

I'm here to win a game for my country. I'm not just here to fill a spot."

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