South African Domestic Season 2008/9

[TT Boy]

Current scorecards on Day 4...

Cape Cobras 348 (Gray 71, van Zyl 71, Levi 69, Symes 3/56, Gerber 2/37) Lions 395 (Cook 132, VB van Jaarsveld 98, Vandiar 50, Gray 4/47, Langeveldt 3/82) Cobras 130/2 (Puttick 58*, van Zyl 40)

Warriors 375 (Davey Jacobs 74, Kreusch 72, Rusty Theron 58, Friend 3/89, Kent 2/37) Dolphins 277 (Ahmed Amla 97, Miller 70, Ntini 6/85, Tsotsobe 3/52) Warriors 175/8d (Zander de Bruyn 56, Govender 4/63) Dolphins 33/5 (Khan 26*, Ntini 3/14, Tsotsobe 2/19)

Titans 423 (Behardien 150*, Tshabalala 3/68, Mpitsang 2/40) Eagles 254 (Rossouw 106, Elgar 57, Harris 5/86, Tahir 4/63) Titans 214/5d (Snijman 52, Martin van Jaarsveld 49, de Lange 3/73) Eagles 111/3 (Elgar 51*, Harris 3/51)

Makhaya is still on fire (22 wickets so far in only three games) and with Lonwabo Tsotsobe they have formed the most lethal of opening bowling attacks.

Also good SuperSport round for South Africa’s young batsman with runs from Elgar, Rossouw, Miller, Levi, van Zyl, Vandiar and Smuts.

Paul Harris has also out 'trumped' Imran Tahir so far for the Titans and just to emphasis how South African cricketing culture is changing; both men were given the new ball for the Eagles second innings and Martin van Jaarsveld was the first change bowler! Whilst in Paarl, part time spinner, Alistair Gray took a hat-trick for the Cobras.

 

[gettingbetter]

Tsotsobe have a chance of being a SA regular?

 

[TT Boy]

Tsotsobe have a chance of being a SA regular?

He trained with the Proteas last week but Johan Louw was favoured over him which isn’t a great measure of how Lonwabo is viewed but like Ntini I think the selectors feel he lacks the variety to cut it in the one day arena but after seeing Zondeki and Louw, he can’t do any worse for mine.

His lack of real pace probably also does him no favours but Cackdeki is no longer a speed merchant either.

 

[gettingbetter]

What about for the whites though? His FC record in pretty sharp.

 

[TT Boy]

What about for the whites though? His FC record in pretty sharp.

I again think pace is the issue also Lonwabo is a swing bowler and maybe they are concerned with taking him to Australia. I think if South Africa were touring New Zealand, England or were hosting anyone but Australia, he could feature but I think the selectors are concerned of given him his first real opportunity against Aus.

 

[TT Boy]

Final scorecards...

Cape Cobras 348 (Gray 71, van Zyl 71, Levi 69, Symes 3/56, Gerber 2/37) Lions 395 (Cook 132, VB van Jaarsveld 98, Vandiar 50, Gray 4/47, Langeveldt 3/82) Cobras 235/4 (Puttick 74, van Zyl 40) Dolphins 107/4 (VB van Jaarsveld 38, Langeveldt 2/25) - Draw

Warriors 375 (Davey Jacobs 74, Kreusch 72, Rusty Theron 58, Friend 3/89, Kent 2/37) Dolphins 277 (Ahmed Amla 97, Miller 70, Ntini 6/85, Tsotsobe 3/52) Warriors 175/8d (Zander de Bruyn 56, Govender 4/63) Dolphins 168/7 (Khan 66, Smit 68*, Ntini 3/24, Tsotsobe 2/46) - Draw

Titans 423 (Behardien 150*, Tshabalala 3/68, Mpitsang 2/40) Eagles 254 (Rossouw 106, Elgar 57, Harris 5/86, Tahir 4/63) Titans 214/5d (Snijman 52, Martin van Jaarsveld 49, de Lange 3/73) Eagles 244 (Elgar 155, Harris 7/94, du Plessis 2/1) - Titans win by 139 runs...

Career best figures for Paul Harris whilst Dean Elgar after a weeks training with the Proteas is back in the runs...

There has been a real effort this year by CSA to encourage the franchises to prepare good (batting) surfaces i.e. the wicket seen internationally. Mickey Arthur was concerned that last year any bowler worth their salt could take wickets because the wickets were under prepared and result favoured and there is no surprises to see now that international bowlers and good domestic pros are the guys getting the wickets whilst a couple of last years hits with the ball are struggling.

 

[popepouri]

Faf is amongst the runs. That's good to see given the way he's batted recently and fallen by the wayside. His spell in England didn't do him any favours though.

Puttick amongst the runs too. I hope the selectors take note. I'd still like to see Smith and Puttick open like they did in WP and McKenzie pushed down the order where he's played for the majority of his career. Obviously injuries have to come into play for that to happen.

 

[Langeveldt]

Faf is amongst the runs. That's good to see given the way he's batted recently and fallen by the wayside. His spell in England didn't do him any favours though.

Puttick amongst the runs too. I hope the selectors take note. I'd still like to see Smith and Puttick open like they did in WP and McKenzie pushed down the order where he's played for the majority of his career. Obviously injuries have to come into play for that to happen.

Yeah good calls

 

[TT Boy]

Faf is amongst the runs. That's good to see given the way he's batted recently and fallen by the wayside. His spell in England didn't do him any favours though.

Puttick amongst the runs too. I hope the selectors take note. I'd still like to see Smith and Puttick open like they did in WP and McKenzie pushed down the order where he's played for the majority of his career. Obviously injuries have to come into play for that to happen.

And McKenzie to stop scoring runs at the top of the innings...Mac has been a revelation as opener, he should continue...

 

[TT Boy]

Scorecards after Day One...

Titans 337/6 (Faf du Plessis 176, Joubert 51*, Kruger 2/78, Alexander 2/88) Lions

Cobras 268/4 (Puttick 105, Levi 53, Robbie P 2/71, Parnell 1/45) Warriors

Eagles 195/3 (Elgar 70, Human 53*) Dolphins

Titans still having problems with transformation targets it would seem, some guy called Mpho Sekhoto was in at three and lasted all of six balls. Mpho is a former Lions player and said before the game he was hoping to prove them wrong for discarding him...

Another slow, low road at Paarl and unless it breaks up, the Cobras should have another bore draw...Wayne Parnell came in for the Warriors as Tsotsobe was rested. JJ Smuts is in Hong Kong so Colin Ingram comes in to open.

Dolphins captain, Ahmed Amla has said that if the Dolphins do not win this game against the Eagles there chances of winning SuperSport will be finished thus the remaining fixtures will be used to blood youngsters. The Dolphins already have two teenagers in the side, Miller and Zondo but the likes of RSA U19 wicket keeper, Bradley Barnes will also come into the reckoning. Everything had favoured the Dolphins as well as overnight rain and winning the toss meant they had a green Kingsmead wicket to bowl on but after Dean Elgar was dropped of the first ball of the game, they lost the plot and allowed Elgar to get off to a flyer...

 

[popepouri]

Ashwell you beauty!

 

[TT Boy]

Ashwell you beauty!

Prince doesn't like an easy run, does he? Hasn't scored a run all season yet when his needed and the opposition are the side who discarded him last year, he comes to the fore.

Final scorecards...

Titans 417 (Faf du Plessis 176, Joubert 61, Alexander 5/110) Lions 382/6d (Coetsee 116*, Harris 65*, Harris 2/108) - Match Drawn.

Cobras 340 (Puttick 105, van Zyl 65, Levi 53, Theron 5/51) Warriors 263 (Arno Jacobs 92, Plaatjies 4/59) Cobras 190/7 (Puttick 40, Ntini 2/50, Parnell 2/61) Warriors 206/8 (Prince 72*, Arno Jacobs 43, Henderson 3/49, Langeveldt 3/53) - Match Drawn.

Eagles 420 (Bailey 150, Human 106, Elgar 70, Govender 3/66) Dolphins 275 (Ahmed Amla 72, Khan 56, du Preez 3/71, de Lange 2/11) Eagles 26/5 (Govender 2/11, Friend 2/15) Dolphins 8/1 - Match Drawn.

 

[TT Boy]

Current point standings after five games...

Titans 54.62 (2 wins, 3 draws)
Eagles 49.92 (2 wins, 2 defeats, 1 draw)
Warriors 42.24 (1 win, 2 defeats, 2 draws)
Lions 39.22 (1 win, 1 loss, 3 draws)
Cobras 29.52 (1 loss, 4 draws)
Dolphins 26.54 (5 draws)

Leading run scorers...
Imraan Khan (Dolphins) 472 runs @ 67.42
Andrew Puttick (Cobras) 435 runs @ 48.33
Ahmed Amla (Dolphins) 422 runs @ 60.28

Leading wicket takers...
Makhaya Ntini (Warriors) 24 wickets @ 13.91
Claude Henderson (Cobras) 23 wickets @ 28
Charl Langeveldt (Cobras) 22 wickets @ 23.18

SuperSport cricket is now on a three month hiatus as the one day season begins later this week...

 

[TT Boy]

I fear for the Dolphins in the Champions League after what I saw last night against the Lions in the MTN 45 over Championship. Conceding runs on a Potchefstroom road isn’t anything new but to get tonked to the tune of 344 was a pretty sorry indictment of their bowling attack.
Johann Louw was once again impotent and waywide with the new ball, Yusuf Abdullah bowled too lengths, short or full and was duly punished, the guy is still overweight and looks a million miles away from stepping up. Mlongo should stick to provincial cricket and Jon Kent isn’t a first change bowler. The only ‘positive’ I saw was in Daryn Smit, the wicket-keeper come leg-spinner.

But fair play to the Lions. Jean Symes despite being dropped three times played extremely well and timed his explosion to perfection whilst VB van Jaarsveld if he could learn to play spin would be a Protea and debutant wicket-keeper, Dane Vilas looked a handy cricketer as well. Add Virus and Vandiar into the mix and they have an exciting top order.

There was another high scoring game yesterday at Bloemfontein, where nearly 700 runs were scored between the Free State Eagles and the Titans. Ryan McLaren made his first start of the season and whilst he chipped in with a 17 ball 33 his bowling wasn’t too hot (wicketless at over 8.5 runs an over) as the Eagles failed to defend 334. The Titans winning ludicrously with five overs to spare thanks to a record breaking unbeaten 229 run partnership between Martin van Jaarsveld and Faf du Plessis. The Titans still seem to have issues in regard to transformation, they are carrying at least two cricketers and not being able to field the likes of Tahir, Wiese and yesterday, Albie Morkel is ridiculous but they do have some serious batting talent and depth.

MTN Scorecards...

Lions 344/5 (Symes 146, VB van Jaarsveld 100*, Jayasuriya 2/55) beat the Dolphins 228 (Rowley 46, Deacon 5/38) by 116 runs.

Eagles 334/4 (Human 71*, van Wyk 68, Rossouw 64, van der Merwe 2/75) lost to the Titans 336/3 (Martin van Jaarsveld 132*, Faf du Plessis 114*, Mpitsang 1/48) by 7 wickets.

 

[TT Boy]

Update on the MTN Championship...

Table
Titans - Points 21, 5 wins, 1 loss
Eagles – 21, 4 wins, 2 losses, 1 N/R
Cobras – 11, 2 wins, 1 N/R
Warriors – 9, 2 wins, 3 losses
Lions – 5, 1 win, 5 losses
Dolphins – 0, 3 losses

Leading Run Scorers
Rilee Rossouw (Eagles) 378 runs @ 54 (1 100, 3 50's), S/R 95.69
VB van Jaarsveld (Lions) 351 runs @ 70.20 (1 100, 3 50's), S/R 113.59
Gulam Bodi (Titans) 313 runs @ 52.16 (1 100, 2 50's), S/R 87.67
Jean Symes (Lions) 310 runs @ 51.66 (1 100, 2 50's), S/R 84.23

Leading Wicket Takers
Roelof van der Merwe (Titans) 15 wickets @ 17.26, E/R 4.99
Claude Henderson (Cobras) 9 wickets @ 11.11, E/R 4.16
Robbie P (Warriors) 9 wickets @ 12.88, E/R 4.11

And here is writer, Luke Alfred's 5 young cricketers of the season to watch...

"David Miller, 19, Dolphins
A young left-hander from Maritzburg, Miller was given a rookie contract at the Dolphins at the start of the season, a definite case of talent-in- waiting rather than talent fulfilled. “He’s shown us glimpses of being something special,” says Jay Naidoo, the director of playing affairs at the province, noting that not only is Miller capable of batting anywhere in the upper order, but he’s a fine fielder and bowls occasional off-spin. “He likes to field at backward point, very much in the Jonty (Rhodes) position, where he’s absolutely brilliant,” says Naidoo. While Miller may be facing the most testing days of his young cricketing life with the Dolphins in India for the inaugural Champions League shortly, he’s also already making a name for himself as the team’s lovable loskop, finding himself at the wrong venue for his provincial debut. And he’s not the sharpest dresser either, according to a teammate.

Jonathan Vandiar, 18, Lions
Vandiar and Miller played in all the KwaZulu-Natal age-group teams, says Naidoo, and Vandiar was selected for the SA under-19 team that lost to India in Malaysia this year. Vandiar went to Durban Boys High but, much to the chagrin of Dolphins officials, was lured earlier this year by Ray Jennings, then in the midst of a brief stint coaching the Lions, to Gauteng. A left-hander, Vandiar is all wristy brilliance, finding gaps in the field where others would only poke conservative singles. Also a canny legspinner, six weeks ago he rattled off 172 not out against his old province for the Lions in the first round of SuperSport Series. “He batted for 110 of those runs with Neil McKenzie,” says Lions coach Dave Nosworthy. “He’s got the talent — it just needs to be channelled.”

Rilee Rossouw, 19, Eagles
Rossouw and Vandiar were standout performers for SA under-19 in Malaysia and, like Vandiar, Rossouw has carried his World Cup form into domestic cricket. He made a debut SuperSport Series century against the Titans at Willowmoore Park this season and has also rattled off quick tons in the MTN Domestic Championship. Rossouw is a left- hander, more in the biff-and-bash mould of a Graeme Smith than the lazily elegant style of a Brian Lara. A strong leg-side player and a compulsive sweeper, Rossouw’s — or to give his full name, Rilee Roscoe Rossouw — application suggests a real appetite for runs. With players such as Jacques Rudolph and Ryan McLaren either missing in part or missing completely from the Eagles line- up this season, Rossouw has been forced to assume a degree of responsibility that might have cowed a player with less self- belief. He’s handled the pressure well so far.

Basheer Walters, 22, Titans
A strong fast bowler originally from the Eastern Cape, Walters was induced up-country by Titans coach Richard Pybus at the end of last season. “We got wind of him while he was playing for the EP amateur side — he didn’t get a look-in at the Warriors — and we liked what we saw,” says Pybus. Along with Ethy Mbhalati, Walters has been forced to take the new ball for the Titans this season with Morne Morkel and Dale Steyn either away on international duty or injured. Pybus believes he’s has come through well. “It’s been a lovely opportunity for him, he’s really doing his apprenticeship. He’s strong, he’s got some pace — he’s got proper potential.” Pybus says Walters hasn’t struggled adjusting to life in Pretoria. “He goes to mosque with some of the boys in the side. With Ferhaan Behardien, Gulam Bodi and Rushdi Jappie all practising Muslims he’s settled down quite well.”

Jean Symes, 22, Lions
The former Helpmekaar and St John’s College schoolboy has had to wait in the wings for a couple of years but has been given opportunities in the four-day and limited overs side this season by Lions coach Nosworthy, who clearly likes what he sees. Symes caught the eye with a splendid 138-ball 146 against the Dolphins in Potch in the MTN Domestic Championship a couple of weeks ago, an innings that contained all his trademark square drives and square cuts. Nosworthy acknowledges that with Vandiar and Symes in the Lions middle order they do have a slightly fragile look. Clearly, though, he’s prepared to take a chance and give young talent its due. A left-arm spinner and a good fielder, Symes has an almost old- fashioned look about him, although he plays with as much style and gusto as any of the young tyros trying to bust into the big time. Nosworthy senses he might not have always been given the credit he deserves, but that’s changing. “A lot of his desire is built on showing how good a cricketer he is,” he says."

http://www.thetimes.co.za/PrintEdition/Sport/Article.aspx?id=895003

(Young) Players who have also caught my eye...

The little speedster, Francois Plaatjies of the Cobras. Known as the "Oudtshoorn Express", Francois is the quickest guy in South African cricket by a country mile. In the MTN game I watched he was constantly bowling over 145kph and was hitting the near 150's with his effort ball and showed good control. He doesn't yet have a yorker and has had a history of injuries and up until this year was more focused on his studies but is an interesting bowler.

VB van Jaarsveld, lost a ton weight, made a few techincal adjustments and seems to be able to score runs against spin now. His very easy on the eye and I wouldn't be surprised if he got a call up to the Proteas ODI side soon. I've really enjoyed watching him and Vandiar bat together this year.

 

[popepouri]

Roela just got a 5-fer against the Cobras. This is also the second season he's taken over 25 wickets in MSN domestic. I've never seen him bowl so what makes him destroy every middle order he comes across? Is it genuine quality bowling or something else given he is left-arm orthodox?

He should be in the ODI squad if he's that good.

 

[Goughy]

Roela just got a 5-fer against the Cobras. This is also the second season he's taken over 25 wickets in MSN domestic. I've never seen him bowl so what makes him destroy every middle order he comes across? Is it genuine quality bowling or something else given he is left-arm orthodox?

He should be in the ODI squad if he's that good.

I was a teammate of his and he is a good bowler. Tough to get away.T o understand his recent success I think its important to understand the limitations South African domestic cricketers have when playing spin. There isnt the improvisation and aggression that batsmen from elsewhere show. They are often too conservative and look to milk.

Ill be honest, Roelof scares me just as much with the bat. He hits the ball like a beast. Amazing eye, reflexes and power. Could be a great T20 batsman. Of all the quality players Ive played with, I developed my slower ball just for bowling at him in the nets.

The interesting thing being that his bowling is intelligent but his batting often isnt.

 

[TT Boy]

Roela just got a 5-fer against the Cobras. This is also the second season he's taken over 25 wickets in MSN domestic. I've never seen him bowl so what makes him destroy every middle order he comes across? Is it genuine quality bowling or something else given he is left-arm orthodox?

He should be in the ODI squad if he's that good.

Bowls a great 100kph yorker, he doesn't turn the ball and bowls a real full length, you miss the ball and your out. The batsman like yesterday got out to him by playing across the line and trying to be clever but Henry Davids and Richard Levi played him very well. He would be a good death bowler for South Africa. His supported well by Kuhn behind the stumps, he kept great yesterday.

 

[TT Boy]

I was a teammate of his and he is a good bowler. Tough to get away.T o understand his recent success I think its important to understand the limitations South African domestic cricketers have when playing spin. There isnt the improvisation and aggression that batsmen from elsewhere show. They are often too conservative and look to milk.

Ill be honest, Roelof scares me just as much with the bat. He hits the ball like a beast. Amazing eye, reflexes and power. Could be a great T20 batsman. Of all the quality players Ive played with, I developed my slower ball just for bowling at him in the nets.

The interesting thing being that his bowling is intelligent but his batting often isnt.

Disagree. I think what got the Cobras into trouble was the batsman were trying to be too clever. I think they should have looked to play Roelof with a bit more respect considering the Titans attack is a one man show currently. van der Merwe still has an air of a part-timer about him in that he will send you down a full toss or bad ball once an over and that is what you should wait for but the Cobras didn't box too clever yesterday. They targeted the wrong man.

As for his batting, he looks imperious on the front foot but bowl short and too him and he doesn't look much. Cobras were missing some much needed pace yesterday, Francois Plaatjies who bowls up at around 150kph would have troubled him.

The game itself wasn’t of the greatest standard, they was some swing and seam aplenty but the bowlers all bowled too short and everyone looked fairly pedestrian. Walters could be handful, looks capable of bowling 140 plus and his built like a brick ****house but he just did a bad impression Garnett Kruger meets Andre Nel. It’s scary to think what Steyn and Morkel would have done on that wicket.

The second semi is on Sunday, Eagles face the Dolphins. The Dolphins are without Jayasuriya who has been recalled by Sri Lanka and Johann Louw. The Eagles should win comfortably.

 

[Goughy]

Disagree. I think what got the Cobras into trouble was the batsman were trying to be too clever. I think they should have looked to play Roelof with a bit more respect considering the Titans attack is a one man show currently. van der Merwe still has an air of a part-timer about him in that he will send you down a full toss or bad ball once an over and that is what you should wait for but the Cobras didn't box too clever yesterday. They targeted the wrong man.

As for his batting, he looks imperious on the front foot but bowl short and too him and he doesn't look much. Cobras were missing some much needed pace yesterday, Francois Plaatjies who bowls up at around 150kph would have troubled him.

The game itself wasn’t of the greatest standard, they was some swing and seam aplenty but the bowlers all bowled too short and everyone looked fairly pedestrian. Walters could be handful, looks capable of bowling 140 plus and his built like a brick ****house but he just did a bad impression Garnett Kruger meets Andre Nel. It’s scary to think what Steyn and Morkel would have done on that wicket.

The second semi is on Sunday, Eagles face the Dolphins. The Dolphins are without Jayasuriya who has been recalled by Sri Lanka and Johann Louw. The Eagles should win comfortably.

I didnt watch the Cobras game (or look at a scorecard) so I cant comment on that. Im basing my comments on a season playing with him and being in the nets day in and ay out.

He was great on the back foot. In fact a little too great. A compusive hooker that teams could gameplan for.

He may have changed that and improved but his back foot problems were always mental than technical. He got on anything short very quick and had a reputation.

EDIT- Just looked at the last scorecard and I see he batted at 3 and destroyed it. Very interesting.