India vs South Africa: I took my name out of SA20 draft so that I could play in New Zealand, says David Bedingham

Unlike the most of the big boys of the South Africa cricket, David Bedingham’s main priority is playing Test cricket and the middle-order batsman will go to New Zealand as one of the most experienced players in South Africa’s squad.

David Bedingham scored a fluid, assured 56 against India in the first Test.

“I took my name out of the draft so that I could play in New Zealand,” Bedingham told reporters ahead of the second Test against India starting at Newlands on Wednesday.

“Shuks [Conrad] called and said there’s a possibility. When I heard that no one from SA20 can play I thought my chances of playing are quite high. I didn’t have a second thought.

“I told him I would take my name out of the draft.”

When asked does the T20 lure him? He said: “I have always loved watching Test cricket, so I see it as a bonus. If those things come up, perfect, my priority is Test cricket and First-Class cricket. The biggest dream is to score a century at Newlands.”

Bedingham has plied his trade for Durham in English county making more than 6000 runs in 89 games before making an impressive Test debut against India at Centurion last week.

Bedingham played for SA U19 in 2012-13 and was long regarded as one of the country’s most promising young players, but a horrific car accident almost curtailed his journey as he was out of action for a week. “I’m still trying to get a passport in England but it’s not for cricket, it’s for after cricket.” he said.

“I’d like to continue playing there [in England] but since I’ve gone there I’ve played as an overseas player and I don’t think that will change.”

The 29-year-old also played down that he had any ambitions of playing for England in the near future.

“I had ambitions of playing [county cricket] as a local but if I was going to play for England it would still be another three or four years.”

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