SPIN-bowling all-rounder Senuran Muthusamy is one of the 15 players who have made the Proteas squad for the World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord’s next month.
South Africa will face Australia for the first time in the Test end cycle, and will be up against a side that are currently ranked No 1 in the world in the ICC Test rankings.
In an exclusive interview with Independent Media, Muthusamy reiterated their excitement about testing themselves against the world’s best team and players.
“We always want to test ourselves against some of the best teams and players in the world. It’s going to be an awesome test for each and every one of us,” Muthusamy said.
“To be part of the Test squad is incredible, and to be part of the journey to Lord’s is really special. I’m grateful for that.”
Though Muthusamy has played only four Test matches since debuting in India almost six years ago, he has been in and around the Proteas side throughout this period.
In South Africa, it is rare to find two spinners in one playing XI, and because of that, Muthusamy has understandably played very little Test cricket thus far.
However, coach Shukri Conrad keeps selecting the 31-year-old spin-bowling all-rounder, which highlights that the mentor sees a future for him in the five-day arena.
“I’ve been in the Proteas setup for a long time. I debuted in 2019,” said Muthusamy.
“It’s an incredible feeling to be a part of the squad for the World Test Championship Final, and to be a part of the squad since getting back into the mix again in Bangladesh last year in October.”
Though the Proteas have received very little credit from the rest of the world for making the World Test Championship final and finishing on top of the standings, Muthusamy emphasised that the side were not phased at all.
“Due to the scheduling, we haven’t had an opportunity to play against Australia and England, which we will welcome when that opportunity presents itself,” said Muthusamy.
“We just try to deal with what’s in front of us, and we just take it one game at a time.
“I think that’s the message (in the team). It’s a really good group of guys, and I think we’ve played some really good cricket along the way.”
Muthusamy is one of the few players who have not been active since the conclusion of the 2024/25 season, as he is not contracted in county cricket or the Indian Premier League.
However, the 31-year-old has had time to fine-tune certain aspects of his game over the last couple of weeks.
“A lot of the guys have kept playing cricket throughout this period. I’ve had a bit of time to just get into a conditioning block, and then I’ve just worked on a few minor details in my game, which has been nice,” he said.
“I’ve been at work, I’ve been training and upskilling. It’s been a good time for me. I’ve really enjoyed this process.”
