Corbin Bosch’s Dream Debut: A Momentous Christmas for the Bosch Family
Corbin Bosch’s Christmas came early this year, but not in the way he or his family had expected. On Monday, the 28-year-old received the call that would change his life – he was set to make his Test debut for South Africa against Pakistan in Centurion on Thursday.
“I thought I was in trouble when Shukri [Conrad] called me aside,” Bosch said with a laugh. But the conversation quickly turned into one of the best moments of his career. “He asked if my parents were coming to the match, and I said my mom and stepdad were in Kenton-on-Sea. He told me to call them and tell them they should come.”
Kenton-on-Sea, an Eastern Cape coastal resort over 1,000 kilometers from Centurion, was where Bosch’s mother, Karen-Anne, and her husband Brian van Onselen had planned to spend Christmas. Those plans, however, were quickly swapped for a trip to the cricket stadium. It was a moment of sacrifice that Bosch knew all too well.
“I’ve given up vacations, parties, and nights out. It’s all about early mornings, gym sessions, and making the most of every training opportunity,” he reflected. It’s a commitment that finally paid off.
Bosch had made his ODI debut just days before, against Pakistan at the Wanderers, where he delivered a promising performance—taking 1/69 and scoring an unbeaten 40 off 44 balls. While South Africa fell short of their target, Bosch was undeterred. The 28-year-old had been waiting for this moment since 2014, when he played in the victorious South African U-19 World Cup team, alongside future internationals Aiden Markram and Kagiso Rabada. Despite excelling in the tournament, Bosch had to wait for over a decade before earning his shot at senior international cricket.
“It’s been a long journey,” Bosch admitted. “There were times when doubts crept in. But my determination never wavered. This moment means all the hard work, the sacrifices, have led me here, to the Test cap I’ve always wanted.”
Bosch’s journey to this moment has been deeply personal. His brother, Eathan Bosch, was in the stands at the Wanderers during Corbin’s ODI debut, proudly wearing their late father’s 1992 World Cup shirt. Tertius Bosch, a popular fast bowler at domestic level, played in the World Cup and represented South Africa in their first Test after isolation. Tragically, Tertius died young in 2000 at just 33, leaving behind a legacy that would live on through his sons.
Corbin's debut at Centurion has even more significance, as it's the same ground where his father played much of his cricket. “I love this place,” Corbin said, reflecting on the significance of playing at his father's home ground. "It’s where he played most of his cricket, and I can’t think of a better place to start this journey."
And for those wondering about his No. 14 shirt—it's a tribute to his father, who was born on March 14 and tragically passed away on February 14, 2000.
This Christmas may have brought unexpected changes, but for the Bosch family, it will forever be remembered as the moment Corbin Bosch’s dream came true.
