South Africa has long been revered as a powerhouse in the world of cricket, particularly known for its exceptional pace bowlers.
From the legendary likes of Fanie de Villiers, Allan Donald, Shaun Pollock and Makhaya Ntini in the eras gone by to modern-day stars such as Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel, Vernon Philander and Kagiso Rabada, this nation on the southern tip of Africa has consistently produced a remarkable lineage of fast bowlers who have effectively combined raw speed with lethal swing.
Perhaps such is the ongoing culture of fast bowling in South Africa, that one is undoubtedly bedazzled with the towering mountain of speedsters this nation keeps churning, possibly even making the geographical enigma in the Table Mountain look flat.
Well, a new name that has just been added to this list is Lizaad Williams who not only is making waves amid the annals of Protea cricket but may I say in the world game too.
Yes, this muscular mould of a man hailing from the Western Cape has been rather instrumental in the decimation of the Irish in the recent ODI series that undoubtedly ignited the United Arab Emirates who hosted this fiercely fought contest.
His lethal pace combined with the skilful swing earned him 11 scalps in the 50-over series, thereby making him the highest wicket-taker at a mighty fine average of 11.27 and a mouth-watering strike rate of 13.63.
A wicket every 13 balls. Yes, let this sink in!
With the cream of Irish batters, the likes of Andy Balbarnie, Curtis Campher and Harry Tector being his ponies, Williams undeniably had the measure of this team in green making South Africa soar to conquering the series 2-1.
Having been around in the international fold since 2021, Lizaad has always been on the periphery of the Proteas team, invariably only getting an opportunity when one of the regular speedsters has been injured or unavailable for selection.
Perhaps this should change now as the South Africa think tank could look to give him a more regular run in all three formats having proved his mettle in the recent exploits against the Irish.
With more than 300 wickets in domestic competitions as well as T20 leagues around the world, the experience is unquestionably there for Lizaad and a consistent run in the national team could most certainly make him a force to reckon with in the seasons to come.
A true find for the Protea fast bowling lineage!