South African Domestic Season 2016/17

[SeamUp]

Cobras better not be stupid and open a talented rookie at the Wanderers on his debut this week. Talking Hamza.

 

[SeamUp]

Dolphins welcome 2016/17 season’s arrival

The Hollywoodbets Dolphins head to the Eastern Cape this week eager to get their 2016/17 South African domestic cricket season underway with an opening Sunfoil Series assignment against the Warriors at Buffalo Park, East London on Wednesday.

After a lengthy and successful pre-season campaign, Head Coach Grant Morgan and his Hollywoodbets Dolphins team welcome the arrival of the new season and the start of a new era for the KwaZulu-Natal Franchise.

“We’ve had a nice build-up to the season where we did all the preparation that was needed and have now reached the point where there is only so much preparation you can do and then it’s time to pull the trigger,” explains Morgan.

“It’s a relief to finally get to our first proper game that will count and we’re really excited to get going against the Warriors on Wednesday,” he added.

Morgan has named a 14-man squad for the season’s opening two fixtures that also see the men from Durban having to overcome an unusually short turnaround time between four-day assignments.

An opening encounter against the Warriors from 5-8 October is followed by a subsequent trip to Senwes Park in Kimberley for their 11-14 October clash against the bizhub Highveld Lions.

Led by regular skipper Morné van Wyk, who spent the bulk of the second half of last season side-lined by injury, the squad boasts good Franchise experience through the likes of Imraan Khan, Daryn Smit, Vaughn van Jaarsveld, Craig Alexander, Robbie Frylinck, Khaya Zondo, Keshav Maharaj and Mthokozisi Shezi.

There is also room for emerging talents Sarel Erwee, Sibonelo Makhanya, Calvin Savage, Rabian Engelbrecht and Tshepang Dithole for the two-match tour.

“We’ve put stricter fitness criteria in place this season and I’m really pleased that everyone passed these and Daryn Dupavillon – who is still recovering from his shoulder surgery – is the only player not considered due to injury,” says Morgan.

“Although it is the start of a new season, when selecting this squad we were mindful of the potentially high volume of work our bowlers may be faced with through the rare situation of having two fixtures within just eleven days.

“As such, we’ve included a few extra options in the bowling department but all-in-all there is a really good balance to our squad.

“We may lack a couple of superstars and we’re realistic about having lost seven or eight players from last year as well as Andile Phehlukwayo now to the national side, but we’ve still got enough depth in the province to succeed.

“We’re a side that has a really good ‘middle class’ group of players and have adopted the mindset that we’re a bit of a ‘blue-collar’ outfit that is prepared to work that little bit harder for results rather than rely on individual brilliance.”

The Hollywoodbets Dolphins travel to East London on Tuesday ahead of their Wednesday to Saturday match against the Warriors.

They then travel directly to Potchefstroom for their second round fixture against the bizhub Highveld Lions before taking on their third consecutive away game of the season when they face up to the Multiply Titans at Supersport Park Centurion from 20-23 October.

The Hollywoodbets Dolphins first 2016/17 home game takes place from 27-30 October when their fourth round Sunfoil Series clash against the VKB Knights takes place at Sahara Stadium Kingsmead in Durban.

In the meantime though, KwaZulu-Natal fans are urged to get their tickets for Wednesday, 5 October’s international match that sees the Standard Bank Proteas take on Australia in the third match of the Momentum ODI Series. Tickets for this can be purchased online at TicketPro or from the stadium’s ticket office.

HOLLYWOODBETS DOLPHINS SQUAD:
Morné van Wyk (captain), Craig Alexander, Tshepang Dithole, Rabian Engelbrecht, Sarel Erwee, Robbie Frylinck, Imraan Khan, Keshav Maharaj, Sibonelo Makhanya, Calvin Savage, Mthokozisi Shezi, Daryn Smit, Vaughn van Jaarsveld, Khaya Zondo

 

[StephenZA]

Cobras better not be stupid and open a talented rookie at the Wanderers on his debut this week. Talking Hamza.

Can`t be that stupid with Puttick and Hendricks in the squad.... But if he survived that baptism of fire and got a good score, well then...

 

[SeamUp]

Can`t be that stupid with Puttick and Hendricks in the squad.... But if he survived that baptism of fire and got a good score, well then...

It's Beuran Hendricks. The left-arm bowler.

I honestly can see this happening unless Stiaan fails his fitness test then I think Keegan Petersen will come in and open. Or I suppose it is Hamza that only comes in if Stiaan fails his fitness test.

PUTTICK
HAMZA
VAN ZYL
RAMELA
SMITH
VILAS
PHILANDER
MGIJIMA
PIEDT
PATERSON
MOREKI

12th B.HENDRICKS (shouldn't really miss out but has too)

 

[SeamUp]

Titans the team to beat

The Multiply Titans have come on in leaps and bounds since former coach Rob Walter took the reigns four seasons back. Walter left the helm in good form, having won the Sunfoil Series and the Ram Slam T20 Challenge and captain Henry Davids says that "we are the team to beat".

"It is a nice position to be in when the other teams are chasing you. The Titans have always been up there, always the team to beat but with the guys we have here, they are used to it," Davids told Supersport.com.

The Titans come into the new season as current champions of the Sunfoil Series and the former Ram Slam T20 Challenge. Although the franchise came stone-last in the Momentum One Day Cup, Davids believes that the appointment of former Proteas wicketkeeper, Mark Boucher, to the helm, will not only maintain their challenge at the top, but also improve in the 50-over format.

"The winning culture is there! We do not expect things just to happen as we have to work at it. We want to stay at the top and lead South African Cricket," said Davids.

"Losing Rob (Walter) was a big blow for us but a new person coming in brings in fresh ideas. Coming into the setup after the season we had will certainly add some pressure in the cooker but Bouch has been through this before. He has slotted in extremely well and it is a nice challenge for us to have some new faces and ideas," added the opening batsman.

One of the biggest concerns for any team when there is a change in management is the effect it will have on players and ideas around playing style. But Davids feels that a change is as good as a holiday.

"I don't want to say that we were stagnating but Mark has certainly brought in some fresh ideas and some real intensity into the mix. His training methods are different but with really high intensity. We are more focused on quality than quantity. For example our fielding sessions are no more than 30 minutes long but with really high intensity," said Davids.

"I mean if you do not keep your eye on the ball, you could break a finger," joked the captain, "he really keeps the guys on their toes!"

Despite signing the likes of Proteas wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock, who will spend most of his time with the national side, the loss of Mangaliso Mosehle to their neighbours, the bizhub Highveld Lions, is a big loss, but Davids feels they have enough quality in depth.

"It was a big blow to lose Mangi, but we have Heinrich Klaasen who has been doing extremely well, especially with his batting. He fits into the mould really well and i hope that his form continues," stated Davids.

Klaasen has just completed the Africa T20 Cup for Northerns, having scored 185 runs in three matches at 92.50 with two half centuries.The right-handed batsman/wicketkeeper averages a shade under 50 in first class cricket along with 136 dismissals in 42 matches.

Davids was also upbeat about the depth in the squad and the quality of players coming through. "We are spoilt for choice at the moment. We have a good feeder system at the Titans and the guys coming through from the amateur teams can make the step up if needed. I mean we have guys like Aiden Markram and Lungi Ngidi," said Davids.

Markram and Ngidi are 21 and 20 respectfully and have both represented the South African under-19 team. Markram looks to be a handy batsman, averaging in the 30's across all formats of the game, and can assist with his right-arm offbreaks too. Ngidi is a right-arm medium-fast bowler, who has played mostly T20 cricket, capturing 15 wickets in 16 games.

"Everything is gelling well at the moment, we have good depth in bowling and it is difficult to chose a team at the moment. It is a good space to be in, being spoilt for choice, and our pre-season went very well," said Davids.

The Titans begin their defence of the Sunfoil Series on Wednesday against the VKB Knights at Centurion.

 

[SeamUp]

Ingram steps down as Warriors captain

The Warriors on Monday announced that Colin Ingram has requested to step down as captain.

Colin has had some injury concerns and feels that he will not do justice to the role of captain. He had knee surgery a few weeks ago and is now in recovery. His rehabilitation is going well but he is some time away from getting out into the middle.

The Warriors travel to East London this week for their first Sunfoil Series match of the season which will start on Wednesday.

In light of the above it the Warriors decided that Simon Harmer be appointed captain of the Sunfoil Series team and Jon-Jon Smuts the 1-day and T20 team captain.

Both Harmer and Smuts recently captained the Border and EP teams respectively in the Africa T20 Cup and have on occasion captained the Warriors last season.

“Colin has been an outstanding captain and we are grateful for his leadership over the past season. He has always given the franchise 100%. He still has a big role to play as a senior player in the squad and we are looking forward to his continued commitment to the team albeit not in a captaincy role,” said coach Malibongwe Maketa.

 

[StephenZA]

It's Beuran Hendricks. The left-arm bowler.

I honestly can see this happening unless Stiaan fails his fitness test then I think Keegan Petersen will come in and open. Or I suppose it is Hamza that only comes in if Stiaan fails his fitness test.

PUTTICK
HAMZA
VAN ZYL
RAMELA
SMITH
VILAS
PHILANDER
MGIJIMA
PIEDT
PATERSON
MOREKI

12th B.HENDRICKS (shouldn't really miss out but has too)

Doh! was not concentrating there... Chance of van Zyl opening instead Hamza at 3? You know how I feel ... I really want them to play Hamza, can`t see how you leave him out.

 

[SeamUp]

Doh! was not concentrating there... Chance of van Zyl opening instead Hamza at 3? You know how I feel ... I really want them to play Hamza, can`t see how you leave him out.

van Zyl obviously won't give that opening gig a go any time soon so as the best batsman I would say 3 or 4 but preferably 3 because Ramela is a bit of a bore and not suited to 3.

Hamza, Smith have more potential than Petersen but for balance you can see them being forced to pick him over Hamza unfortunately. He really needs that debut.

 

[SeamUp]

TITANS

Dean Elgar fit and available for the first two rounds of Sunfoil Series before the test squad departs.

Morne Morkel hoping to prove fitness in next weeks game.

 

[SeamUp]

SQUADS FOR ROUND ONE OF SUNFOIL SERIES STARTING TOMORROW :


LIONS V COBRAS AT WANDERERS

LIONS

Batsmen : Stephen COOK (c) (34) , Rassie VAN DER DUSSEN (27) , Devon CONWAY (25), Temba BAVUMA (26), Dominic HENDRICKS (26) , Yassar COOK (23)
Keeper : Mangaliso MOSEHLE (26)
All-rounder : Wiaan MULDER (18)
Spinner : Bjorn FORTUIN (22)
Seamers : Hardus VILJOEN (27) , Matt MCGILLIVRAY (26) , Sean JAMISON (26), Nono PONGOLO (27)

Injured : Reeza HENDRICKS (27) , Aya MYOLI (26)
Expected Limited Overs involvement : Alviro PETERSEN (36), Eddie LEIE (30)
Proteas ODI Squad : Dwaine PRETORIUS (27), Aaron PHANGISO (32), Kagiso RABADA (21)

“We want to start the season well because it always sets the tone for what’s to come,” Toyana said. “The first game at the beautiful Wanderers and under blue skies, it should be a cracker.”

Young allrounder Wiaan Mulder, the star of the amateur circuit last season and South Africa’s Under-19 captain, is likely to make his debut, while another new face expected to feature is Mangaliso Mosehle.

Big new signing Reeza Hendricks is not yet fit, while Ayavuya Myoli is also nursing an injury.

COBRAS

Batsmen : Omphile RAMELA (c) (28) , Andrew PUTTICK (36) , Zubayr HAMZA (21) , Stiaan VAN ZYL (29) , Keegan PETERSEN (23)
Keeper : Dane VILAS (31)
All-rounders : Jason SMITH (22) , Vernon PHILANDER (31) , Aviwe MGIJIMA (28)
Spinner : Dane PIEDT (26)
Seamer : Dane PATERSON (27), Tshepo MOREKI (23) , Beuran HENDRICKS (26)

Injured : Justin ONTONG (36)
Expected Limited overs involvement : Richard LEVI (28), Rory KLEINVELDT (33), George LINDE (25)
Proteas ODI Squad : Hashim AMLA (33) , JP DUMINY (32) , Wayne PARNELL (27), Dale STEYN (33)

Opponents the Cobras did not have the best of season’s last year as they failed to win any silverware, but Toyana knows they will be formidable opponents.

“The Cobras have been a really quality side over the past number of years,” he added. “They’re always up there and we’ve always had tough battles against them.”

Unlike some of the other teams, the Cape side has not made any household signings and have turned to their youth structures to try to rectify the wrongs of last year.

Young duo Jason Smith and Zubayr Hamza have been spoken about in many cricket circles as the future and the pair will both feature from the start.

“Both are exciting players, so we look forward to see what they can bring,” coach Paul Adams said.

The Cobras will also feature three of their national stars for the first game with confirmation that Vernon Philander, Stiaan van Zyl and Dane Piedt will all play. However, Justin Ontong is ruled out through injury.

“It’s always exciting when you start a new season,” Adams added. “We’ve been cramped up a little bit in Cape Town due to the weather, so we’re excited to get outside now.”

 

[SeamUp]

TITANS V KNIGHTS AT SUPERSPORT PARK

TITANS

Batsmen : Dean ELGAR (29) , Heino KUHN (32) , Grant MOKOENA (29), Henry DAVIDS (c) (36), Qaasim ADAMS (32), Aiden MARKRAM (22)
Keeper : Heinrich KLAASEN (25)
All-rounder : David WIESE (31)
Spinner : Shaun von BERG (30)
Seamers : Junior DALA (28), Rowan RICHARDS (32), Malusi SIBOTO (29), Lungi NGIDI (20)

Injured : AB DE VILLIERS (32), Chris MORRIS (29) , Morne MORKEL (32)
Expected Limited overs involvement : Jonathan VANDIAR (26), Albie MORKEL (35)
Proteas ODI Squad : Quinton DE KOCK (24), Faf DU PLESSIS (32), Tabraiz SHAMSI (26)

The Pretoria-based team are aiming to play it game-by-game as they bid to find the consistency that brought them the four-day prize last year.

“We don’t want to look too much at our success, we acknowledge it yes, but it’s not going to be something that drives us,” Mashimbyi said. “Our goal is to just play every game on its own and try and do the best we can.”

The Titans, who have a new coach in Proteas wicketkeeping legend Mark Boucher, also know all too well about early-season momentum.

They won their first two games last year and the first three out of five in total, before three more wins in the second half of the campaign took them to the coveted prize.

“Momentum is the only currency and we’ll hope to get some of that going early,” Mashimbyi adds.

From among their new signings, Malusi Siboto is expected to debut, while national opener Dean Elgar will also get a run. But Morne Morkel has been given an extra week off before he returns from injury.

KNIGHTS

Batsmen : Michael ERLANK (27) , Letlotlo SESELE (28) , Theunis DE BRUYN (c) (24) , Pite VAN BILJON (30) , Luthando MNYANDA (27) , Diego ROSIER (22)
Keeper : Rudi SECOND (27)
Spinner : Robbie PETERSON (37)
Seamers : Marchant DE LANGE (26) , Duanne OLIVIER (24) , Shadley VAN SCHALKWYK (28), Mbulelo BUDAZA (23) , Dillon DU PREEZ (35)

Proteas ODI Squad : Rilee ROSSOUW (27) , Dave MILLER (27)

Knights coach Nicky Boje, meanwhile, is looking ahead to getting going.

It is a new beginning in many ways for the Central Franchise, who have a new captain in the form of rising young batting star Theunis de Bruyn to lead them. “Everyone is really excited that the new season is finally here,” Boje said. “We had a good pre-season, some good quality games and outdoor practice in recent weeks, so we’re really looking for it.”

Other new faces that are included in their match day squad are Proteas fast bowler Marchant de Lange and another former national allrounder, Robin Peterson.

The pair will give them some much needed experience, while the likes of Mbulelo Budaza and Diego Rosier will no doubt be buoyed by their showing in the Africa T20 Cup, where they helped Northern Cape reach the final this past weekend.

“We’ve got a quality squad of 20 players and we can select anyone,” added Boje, whose team ended third in the four-day format last term. “But I think we now have more experience and that will help us as well.

“It’s always a tough challenge going up to Centurion, but we’ll be prepared for it.”

 

[SeamUp]

WARRIORS V DOLPHINS AT BUFFALO PARK

WARRIORS

Batsmen : Edward MOORE (23) , Michael PRICE (35), Colin ACKERMANN (25), Mohammed VALLIE (27), Somila SEYIBOKWE (29), Jerry NQOLO (25), Lesiba NGOEPE (23)
Keeper : Clyde FORTUIN (21)
Spinner : Simon HARMER (c) (27)
Seamers : Andrew BIRCH (31), Basheer WALTERS (30), Sisanda MAGALA (25), Phaphama FOJELA (32)

Injured : Colin INGRAM (31)
Expected Limited overs invovlement : Jon-Jon SMUTS (28), Christiaan JONKER (30), Aya GQAMANE (27)
Proteas ODI Squad : Kyle ABBOTT (29)

Warriors coach Malibongwe Maketa is hoping to see some of the confidence gained by Eastern Province winning the Africa T20 Cup transfers to the Sunfoil Series when the Warriors kick-off their campaign against the Hollywoodbets Dolphins in East London on Wednesday.

Several of those players involved in the title-winning success - the likes of Sisanda Magala, Colin Ackermann, Clyde Fortuin and Edward Moore - are expected to feature for the Eastern Cape franchise at Buffalo Park.

“We’re happy with that performance and we’ve got players that will take a lot of confidence from being involved in that success of EP,” Maketa said. “But we also know this is a totally different format and one we didn’t do well in at all last year.”

The Warriors coach feels that history has shown that limited-overs success does not guarantee success in the longer formats, saying they will have to work extremely hard to right the wrongs of last year.

“In the past we’ve done well in white ball cricket, so it’s not really a first for us,” he added. “The Warriors have won some of the bigger limited-over competitions as well and still struggled in the four-day game, so we know we have to improve.

“Those that played in that competition can draw on the confidence, and hopefully it will add to the good preparation and planning for this competition.”

The Warriors were also rocked on the eve of the season by the announcement that Colin Ingram had relinquished the captaincy due to ongoing injuries. Proteas spinner Simon Harmer will lead them on Wednesday.

Their only new winter arrival, Kyle Abbott, is on national duty.

DOLPHINS

Batsmen : Sarel ERWEE (27), Imraan KHAN (32), Vaughn VAN JAARSVELD (31), Khaya ZONDO (26), Daryn SMIT (32), Sibonelo MAKHANYA (20), Tshepang DITHOLE (23)
Keeper : Morne VAN WYK (c) (37)
All-rounders : Calvin SAVAGE (23), Robbie FRYLINCK (32)
Spinner : Keshav MAHARAJ (26)
Seamers : Craig ALEXANDER (29), Rabian ENGELBRECHT (24), Mthokozisi SHEZI (29)

Injured : Daryn DUPAVILLON (22)
Expected Limited Overs involvement : Cameron DELPORT (27), Cody CHETTY (25), Prenelan SUBRAYEN (23)
Proteas ODI Squad : Andile PHEHLUKWAYO (20) , Imran TAHIR (37)

The Dolphins have a new coach in Grant Morgan and the new man is chomping at the bit to get going.

“We’ve had a nice build-up to the season where we did all the preparation that was needed and have now reached the point where there is only so much preparation you can do and then it’s time to pull the trigger,” the new boss said.

The KZN combination have made no new signings and are in fact depleted by the call-up of Andile Phehlukwayo to the national team. Daryn Dupavillon misses out through injury & will re-join full training with the Dolphins squad once they return from their double-header of away fixtures.

 

[SeamUp]

Interesting start in the Sunfoil Series.

Wickets galore at the Wanderers. Mulder debuting for Lions in matric just like de Kock and Rabada did & 3-for nothing on debut is pretty decent.

Excited to see some young players playing like Hamza, Smith, Moore, Ackermann, Fortuin, Mulder, de Bruyn, Olivier etc

Just need to get Dupavillon, Savage, Conway, Markram & Ngidi on the park over the next few months & hopefully grab opportunities to maybe make the 'A' tour to England.

Duanne Olivier doing his climbing up the ladder with a 6-for today.

Elgar back with a 33. Cook got 6 & I think Philander got him. Bavuma showing his class with the top score in the game where 18 wickets fell on the opening day. Would like to see Piedt get a few wickets as he will be having to bowl on similar wickets in Oz.

 

[SeamUp]

I know it's a wicket going around a bit at the Wanderers but you want your best players to stand up to the challenge like Bavuma did and I am afraid he has failed twice in this game and you probably got to say the reserve test batting spot could easily go to Rilee Rossouw now for the Australia tour. His confidence has been so badly shot you can't believe it's the same player from about 2 years ago and before.

 

[SeamUp]

With the 'A' side touring England when the Proteas are there makes for an interesting season domestically. So an important season coming up for many players and opportunities for new players to get call-ups.

The full fixture lists for South Africa's and West Indies' tours of England next summer have been confirmed by the ECB, with ten different counties hosting tour matches in the course of the season, as well as an expanded programme of matches for England Lions in both red- and white-ball cricket.

Sussex and Northamptonshire will each host South Africa in one-day warm-up games ahead of the three-match ODI series in May, with Leicestershire scheduled to host a T20 tour match if South Africa fail to reach the final of the Champions Trophy in June.

South Africa's preparations for their four-match Test series will include a three-day game against England Lions at Worcester, while the Lions are also due to take on South Africa A in three one-day games, one at Trent Bridge and two at Northampton, before a four-day unofficial Test at Canterbury.

South Africa A's month-long tour will also include a four-day game at Arundel - a ground with a long tradition of hosting international sides.

 

[StephenZA]

I know it's a wicket going around a bit at the Wanderers but you want your best players to stand up to the challenge like Bavuma did and I am afraid he has failed twice in this game and you probably got to say the reserve test batting spot could easily go to Rilee Rossouw now for the Australia tour. His confidence has been so badly shot you can't believe it's the same player from about 2 years ago and before.

Stiaan must not be in the Test squad for Aus... either Rilee or Theunis, I would prefer Theunis he has done his dues and then he would be better at the Test level than Rilee. Looks like Wanderers was a nightmare for a batsmen at the beginning of the season. Do you know if it was overhead conditions or the pitch itself?

 

[TT Boy]

Be some effort if the Cobras can take the game into day 3. Bavuma's innings looking a bit special.

 

[TT Boy]

Who is going to be the reserve keeper to tour Australia? Surely can't go with Vilas as he didn't score a run in 6 test matches and he had an awful A series with the bat in Australia.

 

[SeamUp]

Stiaan must not be in the Test squad for Aus... either Rilee or Theunis, I would prefer Theunis he has done his dues and then he would be better at the Test level than Rilee. Looks like Wanderers was a nightmare for a batsmen at the beginning of the season. Do you know if it was overhead conditions or the pitch itself?

Rilee deserves to go as he has probably performed better in 4-day cricket domestically than limited overs & de Bruyn is new to his role and needs to nail down domestic cricket a bit more. Not so long ago, on the 'A' tour to Aus - Rossouw got 230 & Bavuma 150 in a 4-day 'A' test.

This is from Stuart Hess but the great thing about the Wanderers is you often get swing through the air for 90 overs in a day - let alone possible seam movement.

Indeed, there was plenty to keep the seamers interested... the pitch had a good covering of grass, it’s not lacking for pace and in typical Wanderers fashion, there’s also lots of bounce.

Be some effort if the Cobras can take the game into day 3. Bavuma's innings looking a bit special.

Nothing like some early season 2-day games

Great little 4-day debut for Jason Smith. Tall and gangly but certainly grown as a cricketer since his u19 WC performances.

 

[SeamUp]

Who is going to be the reserve keeper to tour Australia? Surely can't go with Vilas as he didn't score a run in 6 test matches and he had an awful A series with the bat in Australia.

They probably will stay safe and go with Vilas.

van Wyk is braai wood. Think this will be his last season.

The other options : Clyde Fortuin & Heinrich Klaasen do intrigue me. Fortuin is your old fashioned keeper - good behind the stumps. Quick between the wickets and innovative. Klaasen may just be a real bolter but probably needs franchise performances now. Mosehle flatters to deceive and Second is more of a top order player who would lack putting energy into the innings at 7 for me.

What do you go ? Reserve batsman, 2 reserve quicks and the either a keeper or a spinner. I honestly don't think a 2nd spinner is necassary with Adelaide being under lights.