by Abhai Sawkar It’s been three weeks into the 2019-20 domestic season in New Zealand; the Plunket Shield, which is the first-class tournament, is a great initiative for the promising, up-and-coming players to showcase their talent at higher levels. It’s a golden opportunity to strive for distinction, as well as a priceless learning experience.
This is the second season of domestic cricket for 21-year-old Dean Foxcroft, who’s currently playing for the Otago Volts. Hailing from South Africa, Foxcroft’s ascent up the ranks has been a pretty intriguing road. A determined and tenacious allrounder, Foxcroft combines his aggressive middle-order batting with more than useful offspin. Prior to his professional debut across all formats, Foxcroft featured for the South Africa Under-19 team since 2015. Not long after, he earned a spot in the squad that traveled to Bangladesh for the Under-19 World Cup. He may have played two games in what was a tough campaign for the team, but the experience overall was definitely an eye-opener. Interestingly enough, he made a century against New Zealand, his now new home, towards the end of the tournament. “I would say the main takeaway for me of the 2016 Under-19 World Cup was to take every possible opportunity and make it count. I didn’t play a lot of games but when I did play I made sure to give it my all and rise to the next level. And all of this is is still relevant to me today.” Following his stint as a youth national, it was time to build on his burgeoning career. After giving it plenty of thought, Foxcroft decided that relocating to New Zealand would be the next course of action in order to pursue higher honors. At the same time, reaching that decision came with its own set of difficulties. “The decision wasn’t easy. I had to leave all of my family and friends behind for the ‘unknown’ and that is never easy,” says Foxcroft. “But I did it for me, my cricket and my future and everybody was very supportive of my decision. The journey has been good but it took a while to adjust to the ‘newness of NZ’ and to find my feet here but luckily the people in Napier made that whole process easier as they really helped me out a lot and welcomed me with open arms.” The adjustment may not have been all that smooth early on, but the 2018-19 season, which was his debut, was a time to remember. He had earned a rookie contract with the Central Districts Stags, the Napier-based first-class team. This turned out to be the big break for the youngster, and he’s received plenty of plaudits for his exploits in all formats. In only his second 50-over match for the Stags, Foxcroft stroked his way to a tremendous unbeaten 120 from 105 balls, studded with 8 fours and 4 sixes. It may have happened in a losing situation against Northern Districts, but it was the much-needed early confidence booster. Not only was this his maiden century, but it also set the tone for what was going to be a season of domination. He’d go on to score a total of 259 runs in 6 games, boasting an impressive average of 51.8. Batting took the precedence in the shorter formats: it all culminated with four half-centuries in the T20 Super Smash, including a match-winning 50-ball 63 in the final against Northern Districts. First-class cricket may not have yielded the best returns with the bat, but it was with the ball where he made a mark. Seven wickets against Otago on first-class debut provided the breakthroughs to register a comfortable innings victory. In addition, he’d also take his maiden 5-wicket haul in the very next game against Wellington. He may have played just the three games, but his side hoisted the silverware at the end of the 2018-19 Plunket Shield, capping off a very dedicated and commanding campaign from the get-go. “It was a great feeling to be able to do what I love on that level and to make an impression,” says Foxcroft. “But the hard work starts now in maintaining that ‘impression’. It is a massive season for us at the Volts so I would like to keep it up and contribute as much as I can in all three formats with both bat and ball.” Following a great first season with the Stags, it was time for Foxcroft to take the next leap forward in his cricketing sojourn. Not long ago, earlier this year he shifted south to Dunedin, and he earned a spot in the 2019-20 contract list for the Otago Volts. Relative to Napier, it’s a different environment, but more importantly, adjustment and adaptation have always been Foxcroft’s forte. “The move to Dunedin has been great. I made some great new friends and I love every minute of it here. Everybody has been so welcoming and made me feel as if I have been a part of the team and family from the beginning. Dunedin is a beautiful place. It’s a bit bigger than Napier and also a lot colder than Napier. I miss the sunshine of Napier but I am looking forward to my first warm Dunedin summer.” And not only that, his level of focus is as robust as it always has been. Whenever you start out strong, the next aim is to build on and prosper. Foxcroft scored 54 in this season’s opener against the Wellington Firebirds, and took 4 wickets as well. Furthermore, the move to Otago will foreshadow more frequent game time, especially in the longer format. “My main goals are to score a lot of runs, take wickets and contribute as much as I can towards the team so that we can ultimately win games. I’m definitely looking forward to all the big games coming up and I hope that we as a team can do great in those challenging games. The weather can definitely be a challenge some days.” While he’s tirelessly and confidently plying his trade in New Zealand, he cherishes all the encouragement he’s received from friends and loved ones back in South Africa through thick and thin. Decision-making skills have been repeatedly put to the test, but it’s more than safe to say that it’s all paid dividends. “The thing that keeps me motivated is my support system back in South Africa: my family, girlfriend and friends as well as God. They have always been my biggest form of support, they believe in me so that keeps me going and motivates me.” Foxcroft’s brother has played an important role in supporting him in his cricketing endeavors, and since then, it’s been onwards and upwards. When it comes to finding a role model, it’s no surprise that Foxcroft looks up to one of the modern-day greats. And it’s quite apparent that Foxcroft’s skillset and mental toughness has consistently rewarded him. “My biggest inspiration has always been my brother Glenn. He was the reason that I started to play cricket and I have always looked up to him. He still pushes me to be the best and is always there to inspire me. And Steve Smith has been a cricketing hero for me as he is mentally super strong and he is just an overall great cricketer.” Otago’s squad this year is a strong combination of plenty of young players raring to push on and make it big, as well as the experienced, seasoned players, too. Foxcroft’s arrival is definitely an upgrade for the batting, especially given his breakthrough rookie season. It’s also another step for Foxcroft in his foray to qualify for New Zealand. At the same time, it’s to be noted that it’s a new team and this season will present a different set of challenges, as opposed to last year. The first three first-class games are over, and now it’s time for a switch in format - the Ford Trophy is coming up in a few days, with the first game for Otago an away encounter against Northern Districts, at Seddon Park. Given his rapid development in the domestic scene, Foxcroft’s advice for fellow young cricketers is nice and simple: “As long as you enjoy your cricket, you work hard, learn as much as you can and you put in the extra hours your hard work will definitely pay off one day.” Foxcroft’s talent and immense potential further underlines the fact that he brings plenty to the table. The flair, aptitude, resilience, and positivity all mold him as the perfect package. Welcoming change has brought forth more and more consistency. With diligence, determination, and dedication, the achievements are limitless.
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September 2020
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