It has been said before and the lanky Noretherns bowler has been disappointed through a lack of interest by the national selectors. But Shaun Pollock's groin strain, along with an ankle injury problem troubling Allan Doanld, the South African fast and swing bowling cupboard is becoming depleted for the looming limited-overs series.
In which case Elworthy's name could find its way on to a list containing the couple of new faces likely to be plucked from domestic ranks in a bid (a temporary measure I am led to believe) solve the short term problem.
Shortly before going on to the air to make his radio debut Elworthy received a cryptic message from Hansie Cronje, seeking a comment about his current training schedule.
What with the SuperSport Series and Standard Bank Cup programme ending earlier this month, it is easy to imagine Elworthy's reply to the South African captain's query.
Considered unlucky not to have earned a call up last season for the triangular series, Elworthy, along with Herman Bakkes (Free State) and Alan Dawson (Western Province). Others are Pat Symcox, Nicky Boje, Derek Crookes and Neil Johnson are the fancied limited-overs candidates.
More so Elworthy as he is the only genuine quick bowler of the new-ball group and his economical rate record the last two seasons has been quite remarkable. There is Mornantau Hayward, but opinion of the value of playing the erratic Eastern Province fast bowler, said to be shortly moving to Natal, in the series is sharply divided.
As the first-class and test programme winds down at SuperSport Centurion over the past three days after a punishing programme, first Pollock limp off the field on Friday and then Donald injure an ankle in the second test of the series against Sri Lanka.
Both are in desperate need of a rest and Peter Pollock's selection panel, already under pressure over the continual collective failure of the top order to put runs on the board, need to rest and rethink their ODI strategy.
With Brian McMillan's right foot injury still creating a problem and Brett Schultz still limping around the Cape Town night scene, all that remains of the old guard is Meyrick Pringle; useful but expensive.
There have been stranger selections, but of the current 12 players Pollock and Donald are unlikely to be included in the slog circus which starts at Kingsmead on Friday with South Africa playing Pakistam. It then moves to the Wanderers on Sunday where South Africa face Sri Lanka.