Colin Ackermann

Colin Ackermann (21) is a player with a degree of buzz around his name and has been earmarked as the future of South African cricket. A promising top-order batsman who bowls tidy off spin, Ackermann is the product of the prestigious Grey High School in Port Elizabeth, with whom he toured England.

He was the leading run-scorer in the CSA Under-19 Competition in 2009/10, where he averaged 200 with two centuries culminating with national selection. He belted a 113-ball 129* against India in the Tri-Nation Tournament that preceded the ICC Under-19 World Cup, where he again starred, averaging 52 with half-centuries against India and the USA.

Ackermann made his provincial debut for Eastern Province in October 2010 and hit his straps the following season (2011/12) cracking 602 runs at 40.13 (plus 7 wickets at 24.85) and 273 runs at 68.25 in first-class and list-A respectively. He also broke into the Warriors side in the MiWay Pro20 Franchise Competition, where he maintained his reputation as one of the most promising youngsters in South Africa courtesy of productive performances with bat and ball.

Ackermann is clearly treading the right path towards full national honours. To continue his cricketing development, he spent 8 weeks plying his trade in England for both Kibworth Cricket Club and the Leicestershire 2nd XI. He excelled for both sides, helping the Leicestershire Premier League outfit reach two Cup finals (most notably taking figures of 6-7 in the Challenge Cup) and hitting two hundreds in the Premier League. In addition, in his one appearance for the Foxes 2s, he top scored in a dramatic match against Northants, scoring 73 in a low-scoring affair. He clearly impressed and is now subsequently seeking opportunities in both County and League cricket next summer.

He has the advantage of holding a Dutch Passport and has already generated interest from several Counties. Ackermann is a big prospect, one who represents a wonderful acquisition both for this year and in future.