Sports

Corbin Bosch Is Living the Dream After Historic Proteas Test Performance

Published

2 months ago

July 3, 2025

Chiraag

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“I still need to pinch myself,” says SA’s newest Test star as he joins Jacques Kallis in rare cricketing company.

If Corbin Bosch had scripted the start of his Test career, even he might not have dared to dream this big.

Just months after making his debut for the Proteas, the 30-year-old all-rounder has etched his name into South African cricket history. In only his second Test match, Bosch delivered a performance that fans will talk about for years: a gritty unbeaten century with the bat [100 not out] and a stunning five-wicket haul [5 for 43] in the same match against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo.

It’s a feat so rare that only one other South African has ever done it. That man? None other than Jacques Kallis. The last time this double-act was pulled off was in 2002, when Kallis dismantled Bangladesh in a similar fashion. Now, Bosch finds himself standing alongside a legend he grew up idolising.

From Spectator to Game-Changer

This wasn’t just a match. It was a moment. South Africa thrashed Zimbabwe by 328 runs at Queen’s Sports Club, but it was Bosch who stole the spotlight.

Reflecting on his incredible week, Bosch admitted to the media: “I still need to pinch myself that everything is real. It’s super special. To even be mentioned in the same sentence as Jacques is a huge honour.”

And it’s not just modesty. The last year has genuinely been magical for Bosch. After years of quiet grinding, he burst onto the scene with a strong debut in December 2024, scoring 81 not out and grabbing a wicket with his very first ball in Test cricket. Since then, he’s been on a steady upward climb, backed by what he calls a “fantastic support circle” both on and off the pitch.

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Image 1: The Straits Times

‘Make the Coach’s Job Difficult’

Bosch wasn’t even in the starting XI during South Africa’s World Test Championship victory over Australia at Lord’s last month. But he was part of the squad; watching, learning, waiting.

Fast forward to July, and with several senior Proteas rested for the Zimbabwe tour, Bosch got his chance and made it count. Not just with numbers, but with heart.

“I said to Coach Shuks [Shukri Conrad] that I’m going to make his job as hard as possible, whether it’s with the bat or the ball,” Bosch revealed with a grin.

It’s this mindset (compete hard, stay humble) that’s helping him stand out in a team stacked with talent. South Africa’s Test side has no shortage of quality, but Bosch has thrown his hat into the ring with authority. Whether he’s first choice or not, he says it doesn’t matter. He’s here to give his best or back his teammates all the way if he’s benched.

Another Shot at Greatness Incoming

Bosch won’t have to wait long for his next opportunity. The second Test against Zimbabwe kicks off at the same venue this Saturday. The stage is set for him to build on his momentum, perhaps even cement a regular spot in the team.

Back home, South Africans are buzzing. Social media has been lighting up with fans praising Bosch’s humility, hunger, and flair. Cricket forums have even started drawing comparisons not just to Kallis, but to the kind of versatile match-winners South Africa has missed in recent years.

Bosch may still be pinching himself. But the rest of us? We’re wide awake, watching the rise of a new Proteas star, one confident innings and clever spell at a time.