Saffers on the rise

Back in the days when I was a lad, South African cricketers were among the very best in the world and their presence enriched county cricket over many years.

They were not all world beaters, but still gave good service to their adopted counties. Lee Irvine at Essex, Peter Swart at Glamorgan and Chris Wilkins at Derbyshire were not huge names, but there were plenty around.

Barry Richards, Mike Procter, Eddie Barlow, Garth le Roux, Peter Kirsten, Jimmy Cook and Ken McEwan were all the heartbeat of their respective sides and were outstanding servants to the county game. In recent years, however, such involvement has declined because of the international calendar.

What would we give to see the likes of Smith, Duminy, Kallis, Steyn and de Villiers in the county game today? I don't see that happening, but there are signs that the next generation in South Africa is going to be another golden one. I would be very surprised if some of the young guns making such an impression didn't end up in England, especially as their experimentation in lesser series will give players the requisite international games to earn a visa.

One of my close friends is South African and knows the game well. He insists that young players like David Miller, who at 21 averages over 40 in all forms of one day cricket will be a part of the next 'golden generation' and would benefit from some time in England to complete their education. By the way that Miller finished off Zimbabwe yesterday he can't be far from the finished article, but he is far from alone.

Colin Ingram didn't make many yesterday, but is another punishing batsman, while it is only a matter of time until the astonishingly talented Dean Elgar and Rilee Rossouw force their way through. At 23, Elgar averages 46 in the first class game with 12 centuries and 15 fifties in just 91 innings. The left hander also averages over 35 in the one day game and is a real talent, while Rossouw is perhaps even better. At 21 and another left hander, his average nudges 50 from 56 innings and he already has eight centuries and a highest score of 319...

If I'm honest, irrespective of via regulations I would love to see young players like that in England. Comparisons with counterparts of a similar age at Derbyshire are odious, but these are young players in the top South African franchise sides (unlike Dominic Telo a few years back) and would translate such runs into the English game with a little experience.

While their paths to the national side are currently blocked by some very good players, their presence on the horizon could mean that the likes of Alviro Petersen is unlikely to earn a national recall in the near future and could therefore consider a Kolpak deal in this country. At 29, Petersen, like Stephen Cook (son of Jimmy), Dave Jacobs and others is less likely to see an international call up, but is a very fine player. He is also a victim of a crop of outstanding players coming together over there.

I think South Africa will be THE force in the world game in five years time. Remember, you read it here first!