Senuran Muthusamy is hoping to learn a few tricks of the trade from Bangladesh superstar all-rounder Shakib-al-Hasan on the Proteas’ upcoming two-match Test tour.
Shakib has been among the premier all-rounders in international cricket for the past 15 years. The former Bangladeshi captain’s left-arm spin has accounted for 246 Test wickets, while also stroking 4609 runs with the bat.
Muthusamy performs the exact same roles with the 30-year-old also a left-arm spinner and middle-order batter.
“I am looking forward to meeting him (Shakib) and seeing how he goes about it,” said Muthasamy, who has played three Tests thus far.
“He has been successful in international cricket for many years. He has been an absolute stalwart for Bangladesh and I am hoping to hear his thoughts on all three disciplines of the game.”
Muthusamy has not played Test cricket since being part of Proteas red-ball coach Shukri Conrad’s very first Test XI selected for the series opener against West Indies at Centurion last year.
Since then Conrad has primarily utilised one specialist spinner in Keshav Maharaj, while off-spinner Dane Piedt has also returned from the international wilderness during this period.
Conrad has, though, always kept a close eye on Muthusamy as he was part of the South Africa ‘A’ squad that toured Sri Lanka last year. Muthusamy ensured he remained part of Conrad’s plans going forward as he finished as the leading wicket-taker in Sri Lanka with 18 wickets.
However, Muthusamy is equally aware that his selection is not based purely on his wicket-taking prowess, but also his potential to add valuable runs lower down the order.
He also knows that Conrad is searching for a dynamic batter that scores at a rapid rate.
“I know what Shuks wants from me. He has been very clear in his communication. To add value as the third spin option and a middle-order batter. I’ve played with Kesh for a long time and been on tour with Piedtie, so I know they operate,” Muthusamy said.
“(On the batting)I think I’ve tried to adapt my game, and evolve as a cricketer. SA20 has been fantastic to see how the game has moved forward at such a rapid pace.
“It’s been fantastic for me to find my own way. Just score in different areas and bring something different to the batting line-up.”
Muthusamy also feels that his off-season move to the Warriors from North West will prove beneficial. The Warriors are coached by former Proteas left-arm spinner Robin Peterson.
“We have a fantastic coach in Robbie P. I’ve learnt so much from him already, just through general conversations and the way cricket is moving forward,” he said.
“Robbie was part of the Proteas set-up for many years. He has played in Bangladesh. It’s fantastic to have someone with so much experience and nous, and still well in tune with modern-day cricket to be able to bounce ideas off and hear his thoughts.
“It’s been fantastic and been a breath of fresh air for me and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it.”