For a cricketer, performing on the biggest stage is never really easy, especially if he is from an associate side. But there are some who are capable of making an impact even in their very first appearance at a world event.
It would be fair to say that Namibia’s pace spearhead Ruben Trumpelmann belongs to that group.
Not only did he take three wickets in the very first over of Namibia’s Super 12 opener versus Scotland, which played a massive role in their victory, but he also risked the switchover from South Africa and was patient enough to ride over a frustrating period due to issues related to his passport.
For eight months he had to wait after reaching Namibia till the passport issues were sorted out. For the time being, though, being patient seems to have paid off for the 23-year-old left-arm quick, who also entered the record books on Wednesday in Abu Dhabi by being the first-ever in T20I history to strike thrice in the opening over of a game.
Though it could be a bit too early to say that losing the Durban-born fast bowler was another big loss for the Proteas, Trumpelmann’s performance against the Scotsmen again underlined South African cricket’s influence on Namibia.
“What acted as a fillip was purely an opportunity to play in World Cups and keep my name up at the international stage. That’s the reason I made the switch,” recalled Trumpelmann, speaking about his decision to move to Namibia after beginning his career at Northerns, one of the teams in South African first-class cricket, and putting in impressive performances for them as well.
“I just finished my studies at University of Pretoria and the decision was whether to get into the system in South Africa or go and play World Cup for Namibia, get on to the international stage and get my name up there and then see what happens,” Trumpelmann said.
Critics will obviously say tougher tests are ahead for the pacer, particularly when he bowls against India, Pakistan and New Zealand in the group. That said, all the three wickets that Trumpelmann took the other evening were purely because of the movement he could extract off the pitch. George Munsey, Calum MacLeod and Richie Berrington had no clue before the balls that either darted in or went away from them, and those deliveries could well have posed problems even for top batters of full-member nations.
“I think that first over just allowed me to show the world what I’m capable of. But it’s important to put in back-to-back performances as I don’t want to be remembered for just one over,” Trumpelmann, who idolises Australian Mitchell Johnson, said.
“I want to create my own legacy and be my own person. Hopefully, this is the start that just gives me an advantage going forward.”
What stands out for Trumpelmann is his hard work and ability to cash in on an opportunity, Namibia head coach Pierre de Bruyn pointed out. “Ruben is a very hardworking guy. He takes a lot of pride in his performance.
“He’s a fighter and knows how to seize the opportunity,” De Bruyn stated.
Discussion about this post