Success came very late for Steve Elworthy. He was 32 when he made his ODI debut and a year older when he appeared in the first of his four Tests - recognition came after years on the periphery. Unlike many bowlers who fade as they reach their mid thirties, Elworthy improved with age and in 2001-02 was the leading wicket-taker in South African first-class cricket with 52 at an average of 18.11, a return which led to him forcing his way into the touring party for Australia.

He made his Test debut against England in 1998, and given his unhappy experience with Lancashire in 1996, that would have been satisfying. At Old Trafford he took 26 wickets at 41 and was dropped for both one-day finals at Lord's - in the first, the B&H final, he had flown his family over from South Africa only to be axed on the morning of the match.

He toured New Zealand that winter, taking 8 for 159 at Wellington, but had to wait three years for his last two appearances against Sri Lanka.
Cricinfo staff