I never thought I was going to get this opportunity again at my age, says Paterson

IN a world where we are quick to move on to the next big thing, the next Kagiso Rabada, the next Quinton de Kock, it is hard to imagine how a seemingly ordinary cricketer such as Dane Paterson has kept his fire burning to keep playing at 36 years of age.

These days, the coaches, fans around the world, the lucrative T20 leagues, are in search of the youngest batting prodigies.

Similarly, the world is currently in a never-ending search for the youngest, tallest, fastest bowlers, a set of traits that Paterson just doesn't meet.

As a result, we have seen an 18-year-old Kwena Maphaka earn his Test debut earlier this year after becoming the youngest Proteas when he debuted in the West Indies last year.

When you are an active 35-year-old seam bowler, at the back of your mind, representing the country may still be an idea you are entertaining.

However, with how the cricketing world is set up, such a player would be delusional if they are not also trying to come to terms with not ever playing for the country ever again.

Paterson revealed that before last year, where he toured New Zealand and was included in every series after that, he was also coming to terms with never donning the baggy green again.

“To be honest, I never thought I was going to get this opportunity again at my age," said Paterson. "So, I was very happy and I just tried to take it with both hands.”

However, regardless of what the world is in search of, sometimes the cricketing gods smile at you, and everything works out for you.

Paterson had such a year last year, finishing as the best bowler for South Africa in New Zealand, before going on to take two sparkling five-wicket hauls against Sri Lanka in Gqeberha and Pakistan in Centurion, respectively.

The 36-year-old described his maiden five-for as being special as he took it at St George's Park, where he made his Test debut against England four years prior.

Paterson described his Test debut as a proud moment as he got to represent the county, but also admitted that things did not go according to plan as the Proteas were handed an innings defeat by England.

"My Test debut wasn’t that great," admitted Paterson.

“Getting my baggy green Test cap was such a proud moment, and it is a badge with great pride. It really is a privilege.

“Regardless of the sporting code, when you stand out there on a field, or a racetrack or wherever you compete, there is nothing like representing your country. I have to pinch myself sometimes, to remind myself how lucky I am."

Now, having deservedly been included in the squad for next week's World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord's, Paterson has a score to settle.

At nine years old, Paterson watched Australia crush South Africa's dreams, narrowly beating South Africa during the 1999 World Cup semi-final.

That is the day the then nine-year-old vowed in front of his family that he would make things right himself one day.

“I was about 10 years old during that 1999 semi-final at the World Cup, and it was the first time that I swore in front of my parents,” he admits.

“To play a final, against Australia, would be a great way to rewrite that script."

The Proteas will travelled from Arundel to London on Saturday, where preparations for the final will resume as the final is set to get underway from 11 June at Lord's.