Nantie Hayward

One of the most fearsome fast-bowler, Nantie Hayward is a former South Africa cricketer and current Sylhet Thunder's fast bowling coach in the BPL. Hayward was seen as the successor to the great Allan Donald as the spearhead of the South African attack, however, couldn’t quite live up to those expectations. 

In 1998, Hayward was picked for the tour of England. It was a largely unhappy trip for the fast bowler as he played just one match and after losing his rhythm midway through the match, he was sidelined from the squad. After a consistent domestic season, he forced his way back into the team for the second Test when England toured the Rainbow Nation in 1999. He struck 4/75 in difficult bowling conditions. 

Regularly clocking his speed above 148kmph, he troubled the batsman with his raw pace without disturbing the line and length. Hayward was never consistently selected and even signed a contract with English county Worcestershire in 2003 which did not allow his release for international matches. He played for Middlesex in 2004, but injury saw him sidelined for much of the 2005 season and he was only available for four first-class matches. Hayward after few years joined Hampshire as a Kolpak player in May 2008 which saw the end of his career.

Aussie legend Steve Waugh appeared to have reached this conclusion in his autobiography, saying that: “I’m amazed he didn’t become world-class, a collective cheer went up in the Australian camp whenever his unpredictable raw pace was overlooked (by the South African selectors).”

(As of April 2021)