David Bedingham is a South African-born cricketer (b. 22 Apr 1994, George, Cape Province) who bats right-handed and also provides off‑spin and occasional wicket‑keeping . Here’s a closer look at his journey and achievements:
🏏 Domestic Career
Made his first-class debut in 2013 for Northerns, then played for Western Province, Boland, Cape Cobras, and Cape Town Blitz .
Joined Durham in 2020: has since become one of their most prolific batters, scoring a record 279 in a single innings against Lancashire — the highest individual score in Durham first-class history .
In 2024, he topped the County Championship Division One with 1,331 runs at an average of 78.29, including four consecutive centuries — a first in Durham’s history .
🌍 International Career
Thanks to a UK ancestry visa, he qualified as a “local” player in English county cricket .
Made his Test debut for South Africa on 26 December 2023 against India and has since played 13 Tests, amassing 711 runs at 35.5, with one century (top score 110) and three fifties .
Key member of South Africa’s 2025 World Test Championship-winning squad .
In the final vs Australia, Bedingham top-scored with 45 in SA’s first innings and remained confident: “It’s an amazing chance… massive belief in this team” .
Also made headlines for a “handled the ball” incident in that final — it wasn’t out, as per MCC rules .
🌟 Personal Resilience & Character
In 2016, Bedingham survived a serious car accident that fractured his jaw and skull. The trauma reshaped his mindset: he says, “life is a lot bigger than cricket… If I failed, it was fine” — a shift that helped improve his performance .
📊 Career Stats Snapshot
Format Matches Runs Avg 100s/50s Top Score
Test 13 711 35.5 1/3 110
First‑class 115 8,414 50.4 25/31 279
List A 49 1,868 43.4 6/10 188*
T20 83 1,624 21.4 0/8 78
✅ Highlights
Durham’s standout batter with historic individual and seasonal performances.
Resilient international debutant with a key role in South Africa’s Test championship victory.
A player who overcame personal adversity to grow mentally stronger — embodied in his relaxed yet determined approach at the crease.
