Zimbabwean Nathan Waller in SA to train at Darren Lehmann Cricket Academy and play for Adelaide
NATHAN Waller is a Zimbabwean who wants to play for Ireland and has come to Adelaide Cricket Club to improve his game.
NATHAN Waller is a Zimbabwean who wants to play for Ireland and has come to Adelaide Cricket Club to improve his game.
The 21-year-old all-rounder arrived in SA this month to train with the Darren Lehmann Cricket Academy and don the whites for the Glandore-based Buffalos in the Grade cricket competition.
Waller grew up on a Harare cattle farm, represented Zimbabwe at the 2010 Under-19 World Cup in New Zealand and is the nephew of Zimbabwe's national coach Andy Waller.
But once his stint with Adelaide ends in December he is determined to switch allegiances and play senior cricket for Ireland.
Waller, who holds an Irish passport through his two grandparents, says political circumstances in Zimbabwe cricket mean the country is not "conducive to building an international career".
"There were a few political issues in Zimbabwe that led to me looking for a more stable place to play cricket," Waller says.
"They were offering weekly instalments that was pretty much (the cost of) a bus fare or a $1 here or there to get to training.
"It was quite ridiculous.
"There is not as much talent in Ireland but their setup and environment are a lot better than Zimbabwe."
The right-arm medium pace bowler and right hand middle order batsman lined up in the Irish provincial competition as an overseas player last year while still involved in Zimbabwe cricket.
He then returned this year as a local player and also donned the whites for the second XI of English County team Derbyshire.
It is expected to take several months before he qualifies to play internationals for Ireland.
"I think most of the players in Zimbabwe would do exactly what I've done if they've had a route like I do.
"(Playing for Ireland) will give me a lot of exposure on the international circuit.
"But it will be weird playing for them.
"I'll always see myself as a Zimbabwean."
Waller is expected to make his debut for the Buffalos this weekend.
He hopes his time at the Darren Lehmann Academy will help him along the path towards a first-class career.