Tsotsobe becomes fastest Proteas bowler to claim 50 ODI wickets

Cape Town, Jan 22(ANI): Lonwabo Tsotsobe became the fastest South African bowler to claim 50 wickets in One Day Internationals following his match performance of 3 for 51 in the fourth match against Sri Lanka in Kimberley.

Tsotsobe broke his team-mate Morne Morkel's record of claiming the same number of wickets in 31 matches.

Tsotsobe took 27 matches to make a record thus emerging as the eighth quickest bowler in the world.

"I have been working really hard on my bowling during my rehabilitation after my side-strain and I am really happy that my hard work is producing good performances on the field, Sport 24 quoted Tsotsobe, as saying.

"I must say that this record came as a surprise to me, I have just been focusing on hitting the correct lengths and running in with intensity and intent," he added.

Tsotsobe also has an impressive strike rate, which rates amongst the best in the world.

He is also the joint leading wicket-taker with 9 wickets at an average of 17.00 in the current series against Sri Lanka.

South African bowling coach Allan Donald was overjoyed with Tsotsobe's performance so far this season.

"The most impressive thing about him is how his skill and confidence have improved over the past years. It's never easy to come back in after a long lay-off and he has made the transition superbly. He has been fantastic for us in the limited overs format, especially with his clever variations under pressure," Donald said.

"He has stepped into the new-ball role perfectly, and that says a lot about his ability and skills. He is a valuable asset in our Test outfit and he adds and exciting element to our formidable attack which also includes Morne Morkel, Vernon Philander, Dale Steyn and Marchant de Lange," he added. (ANI)