Having featured in just 3 ODIs and 7 T20Is so far, talented quick bowler Dane Paterson has stated that his ambition is to become a mainstay of South African fast bowling unit in times to come.
Paterson, who is part of the squad for the visiting South Africa A side in India, wishes to have a long career playing for the Proteas.
After helping South Africa A register their first win on the tour with a 5-fer against India A, Paterson, in a chat with Cricbuzz, said, "You need to find out your game plan, Once you know who you are as a cricketer, once you know what you can do and what you can't do, you have to work on it every day, and that's what I have been doing."
Talking about his early days, Paterson said, "Opposite to where I stayed was a field. We used to play a lot of cricket there.", which is also when he got inspired, self-admittedly, by the likes of Allan Donald, Fanie de Villiers, Shaun Pollock, Glenn McGrath, Curtly Ambrose, Courtney Walsh and says, "I'm not as quick as them but I rely more on my skill. If you don't have a lot of pace, you need to work on your skills. That's what I have been working on over the years."
With Cricket South Africa clearly stating that the performances on this tour are very crucial for as far as the future National team selections are concerned, Paterson believes, "This tour is very important, There are a few spots available. We have to do well. Obviously, it is at the back of my mind. It is not purely my focus. There are more things to focus on, like this tour. If I put my performances here, that will speak volumes."
South Africa's long-standing dream is winning the World Cup and Paterson shares the sentiment. He wants to be there in the next English summer featuring in the squad for his country's campaign in the marquee event.
"World Cup is the big goal, When I was 26 years old, that was my long-term goal. Next year I'll be 30. It has been something I have been working towards." he said.
"If I get it (a chance to play in the world cup), good. If I don't, life goes on, my cricketing career still goes on."
Paterson, who is one of South Africa's new generation of fast bowlers, also thinks that the fight for the spot in the team is what keeps bowlers like him motivated.
"You can't wait for them to retire and then hope that you're going to get an opportunity because there are so many good youngsters coming up. So you never know, you are competing with somebody else. So you can't wait for the spot to open." he said
"A generation has passed and a new generation has already started with KG (Kagiso Rabada). As you can see, the bowlers who have come in - Lungi has done well, Junior Dala has done well, Wiaan Mulder is also a (promising) prospect." and concluded, "People might think that an old generation is coming out but there is already a generation that is taking over and established the authority."
