David Bedingham: South Africa's Rising Star Ready for the Ultimate Test
Bedingham's Journey to the Ultimate Test
London [UK], June 11: David Bedingham faces a significant challenge as he steps into the spotlight among a group of relatively inexperienced South African Test cricketers. Despite this, he possesses a unique familiarity with the playing conditions in the UK.
Last year, when he was selected for a squad that included seven uncapped players for a two-match series in New Zealand, the 31-year-old expressed his passion for Test cricket, stating, "I have always loved Test cricket... My priority has always been Test cricket." This selection came amid scrutiny regarding South African players who were part of the lucrative SA20 league.
During the ongoing WTC 2023-25 cycle, Bedingham has made a name for himself in England's County circuit while playing for Durham, even when a call-up to the national team seemed unlikely. His dedication to Test cricket was evident when he scored a fifty against a formidable Indian team at Centurion and a resilient 110 against New Zealand in Hamilton, which helped South Africa secure a draw in the series.
Born in George, Cape Province, Bedingham concluded the New Zealand tour as South Africa's leading run-scorer, amassing 268 runs in four innings, including a century and a fifty. Although he managed only one more half-century in the subsequent matches, he finished the cycle with 645 runs in 12 games, averaging 33.94, which included a century and three half-centuries. His performance earned him a central contract with Cricket South Africa (CSA) for the 2025-26 season.
With a UK ancestry visa, Bedingham played county cricket as a local player, initially aiming for a spot on the England team. However, after receiving a call from the Proteas, his focus shifted to representing South Africa. He expressed his dreams of playing Test cricket and scoring runs for his country, particularly hoping to achieve a century at Newlands, where many of his friends and family would be present.
Now, with 12 Tests under his belt, Bedingham has the opportunity to don the South African colors on a grand stage. His experience in English conditions, having played a significant portion of his red-ball cricket there, positions him well for success. He ranks 12th among Durham's all-time run-scorers, with 4,424 runs in 57 matches at an impressive average of 56.71, including 16 centuries and 12 fifties. His highest score stands at 279.
Bedingham has enjoyed two standout seasons with Durham, notably in 2023 when the team earned promotion to Division One of the County Championship for the first time since 2016. He was the seventh-highest run-scorer overall, contributing 1,019 runs in 14 matches at an average of 56.61, including five centuries and one fifty.
In their return to Division One, Durham finished fifth, with Bedingham leading the charts with 1,331 runs at an astonishing average of 78.29, including six centuries and three fifties in 18 innings.
Before the WTC final, Bedingham ensured he was match-ready by playing two games against Warwickshire and Somerset, scoring 58, 45, 17, and 8 runs, respectively.
With several objectives achieved—game time in the UK, a demonstrated love for Test cricket, and valuable experience at the venue of the 'Ultimate Test'—Bedingham is prepared for the challenge ahead.
The South African team boasts numerous stars, including resilient captain Temba Bavuma, stylish Aiden Markram, and promising young players Ryan Rickelton and Tristan Stubbs. Their formidable pace attack features Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, and Marco Jansen, alongside veteran spinner Keshav Maharaj, who is on the verge of becoming the first South African spinner to reach 200 Test wickets.
Bedingham is ready to provide the stability the match demands, with 114 first-class appearances, 8,348 runs, an average exceeding 50, a strike rate above 66, and 25 centuries to his name.
Despite his impressive statistics, Bedingham may not have the same level of star power or social media following as some of his peers. However, will lifting the WTC mace at the 'Home of Cricket' allow him to express his love for Test cricket in a remarkable way? Perhaps a century and a spot on the Lord's honors board would serve as a fitting tribute to his passion for the game, echoing his sentiments from a year and a half ago.