Wiaan Mulder

A rising all-rounder in the South African circuit, Mulder started playing cricket in college and was scouted into youth cricket in his teens. A well-built man with broad shoulders, Mulder has shown signs of extravagant strokeplay with an orthodox technique along with some medium-pace and the much sought-after variations in modern cricket. He rose quickly through the ranks and immediately impressed selectors to be selected for the 2016 U-19 World Cup.

He quickly went on to make his debut for the Stellenbosch Monarchs, but the Global T20 league was postponed by Cricket South Africa. He continued to notch up some stellar performances in the domestic circuit and was consequently rewarded with an ODI debut against Bangladesh in late 2017 as a replacement for the injured Wayne Parnell. After failing to impress in his only outing with a single-digit score and one wicket, he was quickly forgotten.

Nevertheless, with age on his side, Mulder is likely to have scores of opportunities as South Africa's hunt for the next pace-bowling all-rounder moves forward. With consistent domestic performances to back his spot, he has been selected in the squad for the ongoing Test series against Australia, days after celebrating his 20th birthday.

With an abundance of all-round talent in the circuit, Mulder is likely to have some competition in the rat-race. It is certain, however, that his focus has been unerring, and he is certainly one of the front-runners for the all-rounder's role in the side.

By Rishi Roy

As of March 2018