Colin Alexander Ingram, known as Bozie, is a highly talented cricket player hailing from South Africa’s Eastern Cape. This blond, bestubbled left-handed batsman is well-regarded for his crisp hitting abilities, earning him a reputation as one of South Africa’s finest.
Ingram’s nickname, Bozie, originated from his grandmother’s observation that he was a bulldozer, constantly bulldozing around. He translated this power and aggression to the cricket field, establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with, both at the international level and in domestic cricket.
During his international career, Ingram represented South Africa in 31 One Day Internationals (ODIs) and 9 T20 matches. Impressively, he recorded three centuries in ODIs, including one on his debut against Zimbabwe and two against Pakistan. However, a lack of consistency, with an average not much above 30, led to his falling out of favor by the end of 2013.
Notably, Ingram also dabbled in bowling during his ODI career. Although he only bowled six balls, he produced a memorable moment when he conceded 17 runs in a single over against Pakistan. Misbah-ul-Haq, the Pakistani batsman, hit his leg spinner for a six, to which Ingram challenged him to repeat the feat, only to be met by another six.
In 2015, Ingram signed a Kolpak deal with Glamorgan, a Welsh cricket club, for the 2015 season. Alongside his captaincy of the Eastern Cape-based Warriors, this move allowed him to showcase his skills in English county cricket. Ingram’s batting prowess was on full display, and he quickly established himself as a destructive force in Glamorgan’s T20 side.
The 2016 season brought some setbacks for Ingram as he suffered a knee injury at the start of the season, limiting his participation to white-ball cricket. Despite this setback, he remained an integral part of Glamorgan’s limited-overs setup. He scored an impressive 502 runs in the 2016 T20 Blast season, equalling the record for most sixes hit in the tournament alongside Chris Gayle. Additionally, he topped Glamorgan’s One-Day Cup averages, amassing 367 runs at an impressive average of 61.1.
Ingram’s all-round abilities were highlighted during this period as he also proved to be a handy leg-spinner. He achieved his career-best figures of 3 for 20 against Somerset, securing Glamorgan’s spot in the last eight of the NatWest Blast. Although he improved on that performance by taking 4 for 32 in the quarter-final against Yorkshire in Cardiff, Glamorgan was ultimately eliminated.
Ingram continued to shine in the 2017 season, cementing his status as a limited-overs specialist. With three hundreds and two fifties, he emerged as the highest run-scorer in the Royal London Cup, tallying an impressive 564 runs. He also notched two T20 centuries, aiding Glamorgan’s journey to the NatWest Blast Finals Day.
Despite his limited experience in the Indian Premier League (IPL), having only played three games for the Delhi Daredevils in 2011, Ingram’s exceptional form as a limited-overs specialist caught the attention of T20 leagues worldwide. At the age of 32, he proved that he still had what it takes to compete with the best in the world.
Colin Alexander Ingram’s journey in cricket is a testament to his hard work, power-hitting ability, and adaptability. He remains a captivating figure in the world of cricket, continually making his mark wherever he plays.