Aussie lad Harry Nielsen roped into South Africa side on a temporary basis

21-year old South Australian wicketkeeper-batsman Harry Nielsen was a relatively unknown figure in international cricket until he was told to pack his bags and drive down to the Adelaide Oval to play for the South African cricket team in their warm-up match at the Oval. With Quinton de Kock missing through viral infection and Dane Vilas not having reached the country yet, the Proteas needed someone to deputize.

In spite of playing for the enemy of sorts, Nielsen had perhaps a good debut when it came to a taste of playing international cricket for the first time ever. Moreover, he is the son of legendary South Australian keeper Tim Nielsen who also coached the Australian national side following the conclusion of Tim Buchanan’s contract.

The 21-year old youngster, however, was also seen in team huddles and brushing shoulders along with the likes of Hashim Amla and Faf du Plessis. He also claimed a catch from behind the stumps and was seen conversing with the players alongside him in the slip cordon. Nielsen, similar to his father is Australian born and bred.

In spite of the fact that he was only a part of the side for the two days, the Proteas have managed to find him a nice little nickname. “They kept calling me Hadds (Brad Haddin) because I kept like an Aussie, whereas the South Africans just sort of stand there and catch it,” Nielsen told media on Monday.

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Nielsen has played previously in a few Futures League matches for South Australia and had not faced any international bowler before. He had filled in for a Cricket Australia XI once before, in a practice match against India two years ago.

This is not the first time South Africa have requested a substitute fielder from the opposition side. When India ‘A’ played a match against South Africa ‘A’ in India, Indian opening batsman Mandeep Singh donned the South African colors to field for South Africa for a while.

However, as far as Nielsen is concerned, he will have a yellow South Africa training cap to keep as his souvenir for playing for South Africa.