Mumbai, Feb 5: Jon-Jon Smuts will feature at the T20 World Cup on February 9 in the colours of a country he has never visited. The South Africa-born all-rounder, a former Proteas international, is part of Italy’s squad for the tournament after becoming eligible through marriage.
Speaking from Dubai, where Italy recently trained and played a series against Ireland, Smuts said the team’s passion and belief stood out, especially after registering their first-ever win over a major cricketing nation.“Italian people are very passionate, and that really shows when we play,” Smuts said. “Beating Ireland gives us belief that we can compete at this level.”
Smuts played a key role in that win, returning figures of 2 for 18 as Ireland were restricted to 154. Earlier, Italy had also stunned Scotland in the Europe Regional Final before finishing second behind the Netherlands to qualify for the World Cup.Interestingly, Smuts was not part of Italy’s qualification campaign, with discussions between him and the Italian Cricket Federation stretching over nearly two years due to scheduling and contractual commitments.
A veteran of South African domestic cricket, Smuts has represented Eastern Cape, the Warriors and Dolphins over a 19-year career, while also featuring in six ODIs and 16 T20Is for South Africa between 2017 and 2021.At 37, a World Cup return was unexpected, but Smuts believes his international experience will help Italy on the big stage. “I never thought I’d play a World Cup,” he admitted. “But playing for South Africa taught me what international cricket demands.”Beyond cricket, Smuts has managed Type 1 diabetes throughout his professional career, a challenge he has balanced alongside elite sport. (Agencies)
