Mornantau Hayward, also known as Nantie Hayward, is a former South African cricketer who was known for his fiery fast bowling and fearless attitude on the field. Born on January 2, 1977, in Bloemfontein, South Africa, Hayward rose to prominence as a young fast bowler with immense potential.
Hayward’s bowling style was characterized by his natural pace, ability to generate bounce, and his relentless energy. From the beginning of his career, it was clear that he had the potential to become the successor to the legendary Allan Donald as the spearhead of the South African bowling attack.
In 1998, Hayward toured England with the South African team, but it proved to be a challenging experience for the talented fast bowler. Struggling to adapt to English wickets, he lost his rhythm and run-up during the tour. Questions arose regarding his willingness to take advice and it seemed as though his potential might go unrealized.
However, Hayward fought back, taking wickets consistently and forcing his way into the team for the second Test against England. His debut was impressive, as he claimed 4 wickets for 75 runs in difficult batting conditions, showcasing his determination and perseverance.
Hayward went on to represent South Africa in 14 Test matches, although his progress was hindered by a controversial decision. In January 2003, it was revealed that he had signed a deal with Worcestershire, which prevented him from being available for international matches. This came as a disappointment to fans and pundits who saw him as a vital asset to the national team.
The promising young bowler, however, had grown frustrated with his inconsistent selection in the national squad and had seemingly given up on future opportunities. Despite this setback, Hayward had a change of heart and made himself available for selection in June 2004, with hopes of reviving his international career.
Although he was picked for the tour of Sri Lanka later that year, Hayward’s performance was below expectations, managing just four wickets in two Tests. As a result, he faded out of national reckoning and sought new experiences playing for teams overseas.
In 2007, Hayward signed on as one of Ireland’s overseas players for the Friends Provident Trophy and also joined the Kolkata Tigers in the Indian Cricket League. However, he made a comeback to the South African cricket scene after opting for Cricket South Africa’s amnesty offer in December 2007.
While his international career may have had its ups and downs, Hayward will be remembered as a talented fast bowler who possessed the potential to become one of the greats of South African cricket. His contributions to the game, both domestically and internationally, should not be overshadowed by the controversies and setbacks he faced throughout his journey.
Although he may no longer be actively involved in competitive cricket, Mornantau Hayward’s impact on the sport will forever be recognized, and his name will be etched in the history books of South African cricket.
