There were not many spectators watching Australia's practice match in Potchefstroom - apparently it had not been widely advertised. However, among the scattering around the ground, some using the little brick chalets which dot the boundary, one stood out decked in a replica baggy green and Australia kit.
Stephan and his dad had been to the ODI a few days earlier and at the time did not know about the two-day match. Having only packed for one night, they drove home to Centurion then returned to Potchefstroom for the weekend before school started back.
It wasn't the first time Stephan had met his heroes - his favourite player is Mitchell Marsh - having come to watch them during the 2023 white-ball series when Travis Head gave him an autograph with his non-broken right hand. By the end of the two-day game, he had a further collection of autographs and a nice hoard of used white cricket balls the Australian support staff had given to him.