The dynamic all-rounder first broke into top-level domestic cricket when the Knights offered him an opportunity, and he quickly made his mark. In just two seasons in Bloemfontein, he impressed across all three formats of the game and was named the Knights’ Most Valuable Player in both campaigns.

Forrester’s debut for the Knights was nothing short of remarkable. Playing in a List A (one-day) clash against the Garden Route Badgers in Oudtshoorn, he announced himself with authority by scoring a century. 

He followed it up with a six-wicket haul that included a hat-trick. It was a performance that immediately signalled the arrival of a special talent.

Dian Forrester. Photo: Morgan Piek

Now 25, the North West Dragons all-rounder has earned his first call-up to the Proteas squad and finds himself on tour in New Zealand. 

After catching the selectors’ attention with his performances in the recent SA20 competition, he is eager to take the field and prove himself on the international stage.

“For as long as I can remember, my biggest dream was to play for the Proteas,” Forrester said. There was nothing bigger for me. When the squad was announced and I saw my name there, it felt surreal. I even told my mom I still can’t quite believe it.”

A product of Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool (Affies), Forrester later developed his game at the University of Pretoria’s well-known Tuks cricket programme. During that time, he first crossed paths with current Proteas fielding coach Kruger van Wyk. 

Somehow, Forrester slipped through the cracks before being approached by the current Knights coach, JP Triegaardt, who gave him his chance in Bloemfontein.

“I spent four years at Tuks and worked with coach Kruger. At the start, it was quite intimidating because you arrive and suddenly you’re surrounded by big names. The environment is very focused, so you have to adapt quickly – either you keep up, or you fall behind,” he explained.

Since those university days, Forrester believes his game and mindset have matured considerably, and he is excited about the prospect of playing in front of Van Wyk again.

“I’m really looking forward to it because I’m a completely different player now. Back then, I was quite cautious and sometimes afraid to take the game on. Now it’s the opposite. I try to be positive and move the game forward, which is exactly what he always encouraged us to do at Tuks.”

While his powerful batting has often grabbed the headlines, Forrester is also a capable bowler – something the Proteas management is keen to explore during the tour. 

At the Knights, Dian Forrester was also known as Superman. Photo: Morgan Piek

“Just getting the opportunity to play professional cricket was already a dream come true,” he said. “But then I had one of the best debuts you could ask for.”

The first T20 International between the Black Caps and the Proteas will be played on Sunday, with the first ball in Mount Maunganui scheduled for 08:15.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek sm