Andre Neethling

Andre Neethling developed his interest for cricket due to his mother's then-partner, Kevin Walters, who played cricket with him at a young age.[3] Despite no familial connections to cricket and a slow start at Eaglesvale Primary School, Andre found his footing by Grade Seven.[3]

His cricketing skills advanced in Form One at St. John's College, which led to his selection for the national Under-15 team.[3] He excelled both as a batsman, scoring four school centuries, and a bowler, securing eight wickets against Hillcrest College.[3] His highest score ever was 139 not out, a record that remains unbroken.[3] In 1997, he joined the Under-19 team's tour of England but was limited due to bronchitis.[3] Interestingly, Andre's exceptional eight-wicket performance came from seam bowling.[3] However, Bill Flower, father of Test players Andy Flower and Grant Flower, saw potential in Andre as a leg-spin bowler.[3] His guidance helped Andre develop a successful leg-spin technique, along with a top-spinner, arm ball, and a still erratic googly.[3] Andre cites Bill as his career's most influential figure.[3]

In 1997, Andre joined Old Georgians Sports Club, where he continues to play.[3] Despite a preference for batting third or fourth, he has often opened, scoring over 400 runs in the 2000/01 season.[3] His bowling skills were less utilized due to the presence of another promising leg-spinner, Stephen Wright.[3]

After leaving St John's in 1997, Andre attended Ilsa College to complete his O-levels.[3] He then worked with his father and stepfather before undertaking an A+ computer course and obtaining an international driver's license.[3] Initially unsuccessful in joining the CFX Academy in 2000, he re-applied the following year with encouragement from his mother and was accepted.[3]

• Andre Neethling at ESPNcricinfo