SA-born Curtis Campher shines for Ireland against world champs

Former South Africa Under-19 all-rounder Curtis Campher has become the latest expat to represent his adopted country.

The 21-year-old made his Ireland debut in the opening match of the ODI series against England, and has top-scored for the minnows in both games played so far.

Who is Curtis Campher?

Campher was born in Johannesburg, and was part of an SA Under-19 side which included the likes of young Proteas wicketkeeper-batsman Sinethemba Qeshile.

The player qualified to play for Ireland through his Irish grandmother.

His first appearance in the green of Ireland came not too far from his place of birth, when he was picked for their “A” side against Namibia in Pretoria.

Campher got his first senior call-up ahead of the series against the world champions, and has been one of the standouts top-scoring with an unbeaten 59 and 68 respectively, while notching up three wickets at a little over 25 apiece.

Curtis Campher's stats after two ODIs 👇 👀
1️⃣2️⃣7️⃣ runs
1️⃣2️⃣7️⃣ batting average
2️⃣ fifties
3️⃣ wickets
2️⃣5️⃣.3️⃣ bowling average#ENGvIRE pic.twitter.com/VADAyDeZt1

— ICC (@ICC) August 2, 2020

Living his dream

Speaking after his senior international debut, where he was named man of the match, Campher said it was a dream come true.

“This has all just taken me by storm in terms of playing for the national side,” Campher said.

“My biggest thing was getting over and playing club cricket and just getting myself embedded in Irish cricket, then going from there.

“I’ve just been really fortunate that any opportunity I’ve had has luckily gone my way. It’s just been a dream come true to make my ODI debut, I didn’t expect it to happen so soon and it’s just been amazing so far.”

Curtis Campher

England and Ireland play the last match of the series on Tuesday at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton. The world champions have an unassailable 2-0 lead.