Lanky, lithe and lively, Garnett Kruger oozes effortless pace and surprises many with his bouncer - so his inclusion in the squad for the first Test against West Indies in December 2003 did not surprise those who are charting this exciting prospect's career. Kruger made plain his intention to establish himself at international level by moving after five years at Eastern Province to the once-omnipotent, now-impotent Gauteng for the 2003-04 season. It started well: Kruger earned that Test-squad call-up on the back of 18 wickets in his first four SuperSport Series matches, and added five more in two first-class matches for South Africa A against their Sri Lankan counterparts. Kruger, who played for Leicestershire in county cricket in 2004, also toured West Indies with South Africa A in 2000-01, taking six wickets at 16.83 from just 33 overs and claiming an exotic career-best 58 against the Windward Islands at Arnos Vale. Consistent domestic performances ensured his name was often mentioned but, he remained on the fringes of the international side until earning a recall for the tour of Australia in 2005-06. That proved his last time he came close to the international scene and he opted for the well-trodden Kolpak route in English cricket. However, in 2008, after a season with Leicestershire, he decided playing 12-months of the year was too much and he decided to focus of his Lions career. That didn't stop him from being lured to Glamorgan in 2009, however, signing a one-year contract to join his countryman Herschelle Gibbs.
Telford Vice December 2008