Corbin Bosch, South Africa’s promising all-rounder, announced his arrival in the longest format of the game in spectacular fashion. On his Test debut against Pakistan at SuperSport Park in Centurion, he struck gold with his very first delivery, dismissing Pakistan skipper Shan Masood. This feat has brought the 30-year-old into the limelight. Here are five fascinating facts about Bosch and his cricketing journey.
#1 Cricket is in His Blood: Legacy of His Father Tertius Bosch
- Corbin Bosch’s late father, Tertius Bosch, was a fast bowler who represented South Africa in the 1992 Cricket World Cup.
- Tertius also played a solitary Test against the West Indies the same year, taking three wickets.
- Tragically, he passed away at the age of 33 under mysterious circumstances, leaving a young Corbin just five years old. Despite this loss, Corbin and his brother Eathan found inspiration in their father’s cricketing legacy.
#2 A Family of Cricketers: Inspired by Their Mother
- Corbin’s older brother, Eathan Bosch, is also a professional cricketer with over 2,000 runs and 203 wickets in domestic cricket.
- Their mother played a pivotal role in nurturing their talent after their father’s untimely death.
- Eathan fondly recalls how their mother supported them in pursuing multiple sports and how their backyard cricket games helped shape their skills.
#3 U19 World Cup Hero with Aiden Markram and Kagiso Rabada
- Corbin Bosch attended Pretoria Boys High School, where he played alongside Aiden Markram, who would go on to captain South Africa.
- He was part of the 2014 U19 World Cup-winning squad, where he shone in the final against Pakistan with remarkable bowling figures of 4/15, earning the Player of the Match award.
- Bosch was part of a golden generation featuring Markram and Kagiso Rabada, with Markram excelling as the tournament’s top scorer and Rabada taking the most wickets for South Africa.
#4 Pursued Opportunities in Australia
- In 2016, Bosch moved to Brisbane, Australia, after struggling to secure contracts in South Africa.
- He played for Northern Suburbs Districts, where he was mentored by former Australian cricketers Andy Bichel and Phil Jaques.
- While the stint offered valuable experience, it didn’t yield significant opportunities. Bosch returned to South Africa in 2017 and made his first-class debut for the Titans.
#5 IPL Stint with Rajasthan Royals
- In IPL 2022, Corbin Bosch was signed as a replacement player for the injured Nathan Coulter-Nile by the Rajasthan Royals.
- Although he did not make an appearance during the season, his inclusion in one of the biggest T20 leagues highlights his potential as an all-rounder.
- Bosch was released by the Royals ahead of the 2023 season but remains a player to watch in future T20 competitions.
Looking Ahead
Corbin Bosch’s first-ball dismissal of Shan Masood on Test debut signals his readiness for the international stage. With a legacy steeped in cricket, early accolades in age-group cricket, and a journey marked by perseverance, Bosch’s story is one of grit and talent. South African fans will undoubtedly hope he continues to shine on the world stage.
