Ackerman: ‘It’s never too late’ as maiden Test call-up brings lifelong dream closer

South African batter Marques Ackerman has received his maiden Test call-up for the Proteas ahead of their upcoming three-match home series against Australia. The 30-year-old Dolphins player was notified of his selection by national head coach Shukri Conrad during a domestic four-day match. Ackerman described the call-up as the realization of a lifelong dream that he has worked toward throughout his entire career.

Ackerman's journey to the national squad includes progressing through every level of the South African cricket pipeline. He credited several coaches for his development, including Conrad, Wandile Gwavu, and domestic coach Quinton Friend. If selected to play, Ackerman could make his Test debut on his home ground at Kingsmead.