Wisden overview
Steve Elworthy must have wondered whether his chance would ever come. Born in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe (or Rhodesia as it was at the time), he was already 32 when he made his debut for South Africa, after a decade on the first-class scene. An incisive seam bowler with nip off the seam and movement through the air, he bowls with a business-like run-up and a high-armed, flowing action. Elworthy was originally touted as an allrounder, but a first-class batting average of 20 does not do justice to his talent. In 1996 he suffered the lowpoint of his career, when he was signed by Lancashire as an overseas replacement for Wasim Akram. He managed just 26 wickets in 11 matches, was left out of two Lord's finals, and was released before the end of the season. But he picked himself up and two years later he was back in England with the South African touring side. His international career looked to be over after South Africa lost to Pakistan at Sharjah in 1999-2000, but after displaying irresistible form for Northern Transvaal he was recalled to the squad at the age of 36. Andrew Miller

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