The Proteas coach, Shukri Conrad, has hailed the influence of the seasoned leg-spinner, Shaun von Berg, ahead of the first Test against the Black Caps in New Zealand.

At 37-years-old, the former Knights cricketer is the oldest member on tour, and it’s a waiting game to see if he will earn a first-ever Proteas cap.

Von Berg has been in the national setup before, but with close to 500 first-class wickets it’s hard to believe that he has been overlooked for so long and is still to represent South Africa at the highest level.

Conrad told OFM Sport that Von Berg has been a positive influence in the camp and his inclusion in the Proteas squad is just reward for seasons of hard work and solid performances.

“Grubby as he is affectionately known epitomises the real seasoned professional that sometimes our system lacks,” said Conrad.

“He is just a great guy to have around the team, puts in the hard yards, acts as a good sounding board around some of the younger players, and it's just reward for someone who has put in the shift and continues to do so.

“I'm really thrilled that he is here and he is like a kid again. He is as young as he has ever been and it's great to have Shaun on this trip.”

Von Berg has played in 135 first-class games for the Titans, Knights and Paarl Rocks over the years and in the process has bagged 477 wickets. He has 27 five-wicket hauls and has taken ten or more wickets in a match on five occasions. With the bat has scored 5014 runs, which included five centuries and 26 fifties.

The 1st Test starts on Sunday in Mount Maunganui.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport