Nico Boje

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If nothing else, Nicky Boje has learned that patience is a pre-requisite for a career in international cricket. Although Boje made his one-day debut for South Africa back in 1995 in Harare, it has taken him until this year to establish himself as (at least) a semi-regular selection. For some years Pat Symcox and Derek Crookes looked to be ahead of him as one-day spinners while Paul Adams had clearly established himself as South Africa's first choice Test spinner. "Bodge" won a place in the 1999 World Cup squad, but with South Africa more often than not relying on seam, chances were few and far between for Boje and Crookes. And when Boje did get a run - against Australia in the Super 6 match at Headingley - Steve Waugh promptly carved him out of the attack. A tidy all-round cricketer (orthodox slow left-arm, neat left-hand bat, fine fielder), Boje sometimes seemed too much a Jack-of-all-trades, but when Paul Adams broke his finger in the fifth Test against England in January this year, Boje won a callup as a replacement on South Africa's tour of India. Still he was the second-choice spinner behind Clive Eksteen, but in a surprise move, Boje won selection ahead of his older rival for the second Test and promptly claimed the man of the match award as South Africa clinched the series with an innings and 71-run victory. After taking two for 10 in the Indian first innings, Boje went out as nightwatchman to score 85 and then wrapped up the match with five for 83 in the second innings. For the first time, perhaps, Boje could believe himself to have arrived. His name has come up in the Hansiegate affair, but no proof of any wrong-doing has surfaced against him and while he may still find himself playing second fiddle to Adams in the Test side, he should be able to look forward to an extended run in South Africa's one-day team.