Ackerman has spent years knocking on the door of international cricket, and his latest performances have made it increasingly difficult to ignore his claims.

The 30-year-old recently struck a magnificent 256 for South Africa A in an unofficial Test against Bangladesh A in Pretoria – the highest score of his first-class career and another reminder of the quality and consistency he has produced over a prolonged period.

Marques Ackerman. Photo: Cricinfo

In 85 first-class matches, Ackerman has amassed 5,986 runs in 134 innings at an impressive average of 48.66. His record includes 16 centuries and 31 half-centuries, underlining the consistency that has made him one of the country’s most respected domestic batters.

Now, after years of patience and hard work, he could finally get his opportunity on the biggest stage.

Ackerman received the news from Proteas head coach Shukri Conrad while playing a first-class match – a moment he had imagined many times but never quite knew when it would arrive.

“I was busy with a four-day game, so it was the morning of day three when I received the call from Shuks,” said Ackerman.

“I had been building myself up to expect that call eventually, so when it came, it was a great feeling. I’ve worked hard throughout my career to put myself in this position, and it’s an honour to be part of this team.

“They’ve got something great going on, and I just want to contribute and give back to the team. Hopefully, when my opportunity comes, I can play my part in the success they’ve enjoyed over the last year and a half.”

Marques Ackerman is a more than accomplished batter in the white-ball space as well. Photo: Cricinfo

For Ackerman, the potential Test debut is also a deeply personal moment, with his family playing a major role in shaping his love for the game from an early age.

His earliest memories of cricket are not of packed stadiums or international stars, but of his parents and grandparents allowing him to spend countless hours with a bat in his hand.

“My earliest memories of cricket are of my parents and grandparents throwing balls to me,” Ackerman said.

Fast bowler Anrich Nortjé is set for his first Test cap in more than three years. Photo: Cricinfo

“My grandmother used to own an indoor facility, and I remember my parents working there while everyone was busy. The people who came to play would throw balls at me all the time, and I would bat in the facility all night.

“My dad also played club cricket, so I spent a lot of time next to the field. I basically grew up around the game and was playing cricket all the time.”

Those childhood memories have now come full circle, with Ackerman potentially just days away from representing the World Test champions.

And if he does get the nod at Kingsmead, he will be stepping into a format that has always held a special place in his heart.

For Ackerman, Test cricket is more than simply another level of the game. It is the ultimate examination of a cricketer’s technique, temperament and patience – qualities he has spent years developing.

“Growing up watching Test cricket, that has always been the ultimate goal for me. It’s the proper test of skill and patience, and everything that makes cricket special.

“Even when we were kids playing backyard cricket, we would play Test matches, bat multiple times and play both innings.

Anrich Nortjé celebrating the wicket of David Warner in Sydney. Photo: Cricinfo

“That love for Test cricket is something I’ve always kept very close to my heart.”

After years of waiting, Ackerman could now find himself walking out at Kingsmead wearing the Proteas badge – with a Test cap potentially the latest chapter in a career built on patience, persistence and plenty of runs.

The 1st Test between South Africa and Australia at Kingsmead is scheduled to get underway at 09:30 on Friday.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek  cvs