Nicky Boje was one of the most exciting South African spinners to watch from the late 1990s to the early 2000s.
The Bloemfontein-born retired cricketer was initially selected as a spinner but proved to be a proficient batsman as well, making him an all-rounder. His batting average for both Test and One Day Internationals(ODI) was around 26.
As a bowler, he operated as a slow left-arm orthodox spinner and was able to turn the ball and catch batters by surprise.
Boje made his debut for the Proteas in 1995, but it took him five more years to make his Test debut. Originally chosen as a middle-order batsman who also bowled, he dedicated significant effort to improving his bowling skills to secure a spot in the team. The competition was tough, as the Proteas had all-rounders like Shaun Pollock and Lance Klusener at the time, making it challenging for Nicky Boje to secure a regular spot in the team.
Nicky Boje was a very capable No. 9 batsman
After his debut against Zimbabwe in 1995, Boje faced intermittent appearances in the team due to injuries. During this period, the Proteas had Paul Adams as a spinner, but Adams’ batting skills were not as strong. Despite having a first-class batting average of 32, Boje often batted at eight or nine in the Test and ODI teams.
In December 2006, Boje announced his immediate retirement from international cricket. He concluded his career with exactly 100 Test wickets, with the wicket of Mahela Jayawardene in his final Test marking this milestone. Despite having a good test career, he never hit a century in the format however he was more successful in ODI, securing two centuries against New Zealand.
Following his international retirement, Boje continued to play first-class cricket with Northamptonshire, Warriors, and later the Knights before retiring from the sport.
After retirement, the former spinner was appointed Knights coach in 2015. After leaving the Free State-based franchise, Nicky Boje left for England to become head of cricket at Ipswich School. As of July 2024, was still with the school.
How good was Boje for the Proteas?
Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.
