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“Watson is my favorite player; always support RR in IPL”- South Africa’s rising star Migael Pretorius (Exclusive Interview)

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Migael Pretorius

South Africa has produced many top-quality players over the last few years. Cricketers like AB de Villiers, Faf du Plessis, Dale Steyn, Makhaya Ntini, Shaun Pollock, Kagiso Rabada, Graeme Smith, Quinton de Kock, Hashim Amla, Tabraiz Shamsi, Albie Morkel, Morne Morkel and several others have impressed the fans with their skills. A new star emerging from South African cricket is fast bowler Migael Pretorius.

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The 26-year-old from Vereeninging is yet to play international cricket at the senior level, but Migael Pretorius has played for South Africa ‘A’ team. Most recently, he played against India ‘A’ where he bagged the wicket of star batter Devdutt Padikkal. Pretorius has also shared the dressing room with Padikkal’s former Royal Challengers Bangalore teammate AB de Villiers.

In an exclusive interview with Swagcricket, Migael Pretorius spoke at length about his career, preferences and a lot of other things.

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Here are the excerpts from Interview with Migael Pretorius:

Q. Hey Migael! How have you been doing? How was the year 2021 for you?

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Migael Pretorius: Hi There, it was very good. I had so many opportunities and am grateful for all of them. I had the chance to join the Proteas and for any kid playing sport it is a dream being able to represent your country.

Q. You played for Knights in domestic cricket recently and took wickets regularly for the team. Share some details about your experience of playing the tournaments.

Migael Pretorius: I enjoyed playing for them, firstly getting backed in all the formats and knowing that they have a plan for me. Taking wickets is a bonus and I’ll always enjoy it. I could prove to myself that I am a good all round player willing to step up in any format and situation.

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Q. You have played all 3 formats of domestic cricket. As a fast bowler, which is the toughest format for you and why?

Migael Pretorius: Well, I find the red ball a tough format and very challenging. You can feel that you need to be on it all the time and as soon as you loosen your foot they can easily win back momentum!

Q. You played against India ‘A’ and took the big wicket of IPL star Devdutt Padikkal. Tell us something about that.

Migael Pretorius: Its always a good feeling being able to mentally and physically challenge yourself against the best. It was nice to know that the plans I work on in the nets pays of against players like him.

Q. How was your experience of playing in CPL and spending time with the likes of Andre Russell and Carlos Brathwaite?

Migael Pretorius: It can only be great, I have been part of a lucky few players to rub shoulders with them and I made sure I asked all the questions and learned what I can. At the end of the day they are human and seeing that side gives you a bigger appreciation of them and what they have achieved.

Q. You have played with some great players in your career so far. Tell us the best advice you have received from a player.

Migael Pretorius: It is difficult to pin point certain players and what they taught me. I have learnt so much over the games and time I spent with them its just not fair to say one has meant more than the others.

Q. AB de Villiers said goodbye to cricket recently. Which is your favorite memory with him?

Migael Pretorius: Well playing with him in a domestic game and picking his brain and hearing how he thinks about a game and taking on certain situations.

Q. If given a chance to play in the IPL, which team would you like to play for?

Migael Pretorius: I’ve always supported the Rajasthan Royals. Nevertheless, I will appreciate any opportunity I get.

Q. Who is your favorite cricketer outside South Africa and why?

Migael Pretorius: Shane Watson, I have always admired him as a player, a person and eventually a Captain. He has had so many successes and yet stayed so humble.

Q. What is your new year resolution for 2022?

Migael Pretorius: I want to keep enjoying what I do and give back where I can. I really want to go over to England this year and play in those environments.