Quietly, but determinedly, Riki Wessels (19) is well on his way to achieving his dream of earning an England cricket cap. The son of former South African cricket captain, Kepler Wessels, has emerged as Northamptonshire’s first-choice wicketkeeper. He is currently playing under the Kolpak agreement, which entitles citizens of European Union associate countries to employment rights.
Riki was born in Australia and is a South African citizen. He matriculated at Woodridge College, near Port Elizabeth, and played for Eastern Province in the 2002 and 2003 Khaya Majola Weeks. To qualify for England in 2008, he must spend a minimum of 210 days a year in England. When not playing cricket, Riki studies for a higher diploma in information technology.
He got his chance of a regular place in the team when fellow South African Gerard Brophy broke a finger at the start of the season. Almost like his father, who made a century on his Test debut for Australia while South Africa was excluded from international cricket, Riki hit a century with Somerset in his second first-class appearance. His maiden century was made off 116 balls with 17 fours and a six. His second century was against Worcestershire. As a wicketkeeper, he models himself on former England player Alec Stewart.
Other players who have taken the Kolpak option in recent years include Martin van Jaarsveld, Dale Benkenstein, HD Ackerman, Claude Henderson, Charl Pietersen and Johann Louw.
