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South African batter Tony de Zorzi might be new to international cricket but has already made heads turn after a brilliant 78 against the West Indies in the first innings of the first Test (August 7-11) at Port of Spain in Trinidad.
De Zorzi is one of those languid left-handers who oozes flair and class, especially when he is attacking the bowlers. Zorzi was born to an Italian mother and a Nigerian father and is currently playing international cricket for South Africa.
The stylish left-hander made his Test and ODI debut during South Africa’s previous tour of West Indies in 2023. He scored his maiden international century in an ODI against India in December 2023 before scoring 81 in the very next game.
During the first innings of the ongoing Test between South Africa and West Indies, De Zorzi was asked to open the innings for the first time in his Test career, and he didn't disappoint. The southpaw batted superbly to set the foundation for the rest of the South African batters.
His knock of 78 came off 145 deliveries, including seven fours and a couple of sixes. Captain Temba Bavuma was the top scorer with 86 while vital contributions from Kyle Verreynne (39) and Wiann Mulder (41) towards the end propelled the Proteas to 357 in the first innings.
Let's analyze why Tony de Zorzi could be a force to be reckoned with in the future.
3 reasons why Tony de Zorzi is the next big thing in South African cricket
#1 De Zorzi is a naturally aggressive batter, something that South Africa was missing for a while
Ever since Dean Elgar's retirement, the opening position has been a matter of concern for the Proteas. Elgar had established himself as a stubborn character, who may not have been the most talented player but had the guts and mental setup to challenge any opposition.
In the ongoing series against the West Indies, Tony de Zorzi was asked to open and the southpaw impressed all and sundry. He took his time but his foot movement and the way he blocked deliveries were enough to prove that he is a naturally aggressive batter.
In Test cricket, the approach and how you deal with different situations of the game are extremely important. However, Zorzi was looking to score runs throughout and didn't allow the bowlers to get on top. He attacked Gudakesh Motie, a wicket-taking option for the West Indies right from the outset.
Given how he approaches his game, Zorzi has the attributes to become the next big thing in South African cricket.
#2 De Zorzi is equally good against pacers and spinners
While De Zorzi looked extremely comfortable against Gudakesh Motie, he was dismissed by Jonel Warrican. Both Motie and Warrican are left-arm orthodox bowlers and a perfect match-up for the 26-year-old South African.
Tony de Zorzi was dismissed in an attempt to play the reverse sweep against Warrican. This suggests that the dismissal wasn't due to any chink in his armor but because of his aggressive approach through which he wanted to put the bowlers under pressure.
He also looked at ease against fast bowlers like Kemar Roach, Jason Holder, and Jayden Seales. Zorzi was beaten a few times but that is what you always expect in Test cricket. His foot movement and decisiveness against both pacers and spinners make him an important player for South Africa going forward.
#3 Zorzi has the attributes to become a superstar across formats
While Tony de Zorzi impressed everyone with his stroke-filled 78 against the West Indies in the opening Test, one must remember that he can flourish in all three formats of the game. He has a solid technique which is the foremost criterion in Test cricket and also possesses the power game needed for T20s.
Tony de Zorzi can also be a perfect ODI opener who can take down bowlers in the powerplay and play the anchor role during the middle overs to build a massive score. Overall, the southpaw is a package and the South African management must take special care of him. For now, de Zorzi will look to finish with a truckload of runs in the ongoing Test series.
