South African Domestic Season 2016/17

[SeamUp]

That makes sense.... de Bruyn is a definite, I am unsure of Makram

.

Aiden Markram's leadership & batting from the front was probably as impressive as Rabada at the u19 WC.


We talking about bowling on the other thread. Interestingly I think there are a few bowling options with the younger brigade in the batting.

MARKRAM (Off-spin)
ELGAR (SLA)
HAMZA
DE BRUYN
MULDER (genuine seam bowling)
SMITH (has work to do but definitely above a part-timer as a seamer)
DE KOCK (wk)
PHEHLUWAKYO/SAVAGE (bowling all-rounder- first/second change)
SPINNER (Piedt, Maharaj, Harmer, Shamsi, Linde, Fortuin, Subrayen)
RABADA
OLIVIER, DUPAVILLON, NGIDI

* Obviously BAVUMA, ROSSOUW & VAN ZYL (Morris/Parnell) could be around still.

 

[StephenZA]

Aiden Markram's leadership & batting from the front was probably as impressive as Rabada at the u19 WC.


We talking about bowling on the other thread. Interestingly I think there are a few bowling options with the younger brigade in the batting.

MARKRAM (Off-spin)
ELGAR (SLA)
HAMZA
DE BRUYN
MULDER (genuine seam bowling)
SMITH (has work to do but definitely above a part-timer as a seamer)
DE KOCK (wk)
PHEHLUWAKYO/SAVAGE (bowling all-rounder- first/second change)
SPINNER (Piedt, Maharaj, Harmer, Shamsi, Linde, Fortuin, Subrayen)
RABADA
OLIVIER, DUPAVILLON, NGIDI

* Obviously BAVUMA, ROSSOUW & VAN ZYL could be around still.

I really don`t dislike that team... shows that we still have options for awhile. Spinner options are ridiculous in SA at the moment.

 

[SeamUp]

I really don`t dislike that team... shows that we still have options for awhile. Spinner options are ridiculous in SA at the moment.

That is our only hope. We keep producing these individual talents.

 

[SeamUp]

A good win by the SA 'A' side this morning v Aus 'A' :

A little bit of our chase : https://twitter.com/OfficialCSA/status/766960924389367809

 

[StephenZA]

https://twitter.com/Titans_Cricket?ref_src=twsrc^google|twcamp^serp|twgr^author

Mark Boucher named Titans coach | Sport24

Mark Boucher as head coach for Titans. Would not have predicted that. Wonder if he will get his good friend Kallis in as a batting consultant?

 

[SeamUp]

Watched some the first round of African Cup.

Jason Smith looks an awesome talent. Particularly for limited overs. Such a clean striker. International potential.
Zubyar Hamza is not suited to T20. More of an accumulator.
Dayyaan Galiem needs to keep improving and he needs good coaching to bounce ideas off if he is to achieve his potential. Questionable if it will happen.


North West had some top young talent like Janneman Malan, Wihan Lubbe & Marques Ackerman but will find it tough to get franchise opportunities because of the colour of their skin. The NW senior players like Vd Dussen, Vd bergh & Fortuin stood up unlike the KZN Inland ones like VVJ, Erwee, Alexander.

Dolphins cricket could have a keeper to replace Morne van Wyk in Tshepang Dithole. He could make a regular step up to franchise level.

NW through to finals day.

 

[StephenZA]

Watched some the first round of African Cup.

Jason Smith looks an awesome talent. Particularly for limited overs. Such a clean striker. International potential.
Zubyar Hamza is not suited to T20. More of an accumulator.
Dayyaan Galiem needs to keep improving and he needs good coaching to bounce ideas off if he is to achieve his potential. Questionable if it will happen.


North West had some top young talent like Janneman Malan, Wihan Lubbe & Marques Ackerman but will find it tough to get franchise opportunities because of the colour of their skin. The NW senior players like Vd Dussen, Vd bergh & Fortuin stood up unlike the KZN Inland ones like VVJ, Erwee, Alexander.

Dolphins cricket could have a keeper to replace Morne van Wyk in Tshepang Dithole. He could make a regular step up to franchise level.

NW through to finals day.

Smith looks a very clean striker. I liked the look of Malan and Dithole, Agreed Hamza is not suited to the T20, does well at ODI (where I first saw him). He is a Kallis Amla sort of batsmen, hold the innings together.

 

[SeamUp]

These were the teams for last weeks fixtures in Africa T20 Cup

For this weekends fixtures

 

[SeamUp]

E-Khasi Challenge yesterday.

Hundred for Bavuma (117) who had a good partnership with Conway (65)
Hawken 3-48 for Titans

Hundred for Mokoena (103) & Klaasen (45)
Dudgeon bowled nicely for (3-54) & so did McGillivray (2-41)

Lions debut for 18 year-old Mulder.

Momentum eKasi Challenge: Lions v Titans at Soweto, Sep 7, 2016 | Cricket Scorecard | ESPN Cricinfo

 

[Marius]

E-Khasi Challenge yesterday.

Hundred for Bavuma (117) who had a good partnership with Conway (65)
Hawken 3-48 for Titans

Hundred for Mokoena (103) & Klaasen (45)
Dudgeon bowled nicely for (3-54) & so did McGillivray (2-41)

Lions debut for 18 year-old Mulder.

Momentum eKasi Challenge: Lions v Titans at Soweto, Sep 7, 2016 | Cricket Scorecard | ESPN Cricinfo

Nice to see Bra T getting some runs in the LO stuff, I think he could be all right in ODIs for SA actually.

And the Titans had a decent attack actually.

 

[StephenZA]

Nice to see Bra T getting some runs in the LO stuff, I think he could be all right in ODIs for SA actually.

And the Titans had a decent attack actually.

I like that nickname ..... he is improving rapidly, I think, since getting into the international squad.

 

[SeamUp]

Last week Zimbabwe went through to join North West at finals day.

A bit of an anti-climax they got through by drawing balls out of a bag due to poor weather in East London and got comfortably beaten in the one game they did play. Would have been nice to see Free State who contained former SA u19 players like Andries Gous, Leus Du Plooy, Raynard van Tonder (current), Sean Whitehead & Lwandiswa Zuma.

Tomorrow Northerns, Northern Cape, Kenya & SWD start their round-robin in Oudtshoorn.

Northerns have Titans contracted Aiden Markram, Grant Thomson, Heinrich Klaasen, Shaun von Berg & Lungi Ngidi in their squad plus guys like Ruben Claasen & Alfred Mothoa who played for Titans in E-khasi Challenge last week. Former SA u19 players like Thomas Kaber, Tony De Zorzi and Rivaldo Moonsamy as well.

SWD have got help from the Cobras with the three Dane's ; Vilas, Piedt and Paterson.

Northern Cape will have Knights players Werner Coetsee, Corne Dry, Diego Rosier, Tumelo Bodibe and Mbulelo Budaza.

 

[SeamUp]

Dolphins update

The return of the majority of the Sunfoil Dolphins squad to Durban has propelled the KZN Franchise into the next phase of their preparations for the upcoming 2016/17 South African domestic cricket season.

With various squad members having spent much of the winter playing cricket in the Northern Hemisphere, at the Powerade National Academy or with the South Africa ‘A’ squad in Australia, head coach Grant Morgan is pleased to have the majority of his personnel gathered in Durban once more.

“It’s great to have a near full squad together again,” says Morgan. “The SA ‘A’ guys got back on Wednesday and all the guys except Daryn Smit are now back from the UK.”

“Those who have been here in Durban this winter have been working really hard and I’m really pleased with what they’ve achieved so far.

“With the other guys’ return, it will be great to now get everyone working together again in the build up to this important season for the Dolphins.”

While the fit members of the extended Dolphins, KZN, KZN Inland and KZN Cricket Academy squad enjoy another internal warm-up match at Chatsworth Oval on Thursday and Friday this week, a few continue their recovery from injury.

“We still have Daryn Dupavillon completing his rehabilitation after his shoulder, and now also finger surgery while Brandon Scullard and Prenelan Subrayen recently suffered injuries, but all in all we’re looking really good and I’m pleased with things are going.

“The guys have also had a couple of honest chats already and there is a great atmosphere amongst the squad – you can already start to feel the love developing,” says Morgan.

Morgan also confirms that a fitness test on Monday and a team building session on the Wild Coast from Tuesday to Thursday will then be followed by some more time in the middle.

“Our fitness test on Monday will give us a clear understanding of where each player is at this stage and should there be any improvement needed, the guys then have three weeks to do so before the season starts.

“Our time down the coast as well as a team braai, etc. before the season will hopefully continue to bring the group even closer together.

“Another internal warm-up game or two will also give everyone some more good opportunities out there in the middle before we head into season proper, starting with the Sunfoil Series.”

 

[SeamUp]

Some changes at the Cobras. Former stalwarts Prince and Dawson have joined the set-up.

The Cape Cobras have been boosted by the acquisition of two former international stars in senior roles at the home of Cape cricket.

Ashwell Prince, a former South African stalwart who represented the Proteas in 66 tests, has been appointed as the Cobras’ assistant coach.

Alan Dawson, an admirable exponent of swing bowling who represented Western Province and the Cape Cobras for 15 years, has been picked as the Convener of the Cape Cobras’ selection committee.

Prince resigned from the national selection committee to make himself available as assistant coach. He also recently fulfilled the role of batting consultant on tour with the South Africa A team in Australia.

As a middle-order batsman, Prince forged a reputation as a defiant player whose dogged determination set him apart. He struck 900 runs at an average of 64.28 for South Africa in 2008.

Following injury and a brief period on the sidelines, he celebrated his return to the South African team in 2009 by scoring 150 at PPC Newlands in the unfamiliar role of opening batsman.

Prince was internationally revered for his grit and single-minded pursuit of excellence. He played a pivotal role in South Africa’s rise to the No 1 position in the world under Graeme Smith’s captaincy.

Dawson captured 302 wickets in 98 first-class matches and was an exponent of the art of swing bowling in tandem with Charl Willoughby, Charl Langeveldt, Eric Simons and Craig Matthews.

He represented South Africa in two tests and 19 One-Day Internationals, and was part of the South African team that reached the semifinals at the Cricket World Cup in 1999.

His never-say-die-spirit, unwavering commitment to the team cause and brave-hearted performances endeared him to a legion of fans at PPC Newlands.

Dawson said his main focus would be consistency in selection and an open door policy to players.

He would like to assist in making Cape Cobras a domestic powerhouse and helping them to return to the summit of the logs.

He also believes in frankness and openness and liaising with former colleagues and members of the extended family of Cape Cobras players in assisting where needed to make the Cobras an even greater force.

Prince said his premier role would be to assist the Cobras in winning trophies again.

He is also determined to mentor the younger players in making the step up and to fulfil their potential, even propelling them to the international level.

Prince was philosophical about his playing style. He said although he put a high price on his wicket, he won’t expect players in the Cape Cobras’ set-up to play similarly.

He would rather see them express themselves in a way that does justice to their own characters.

Yet, they also have to assess the game situation accurately and play accordingly, he added.

Prince blasted his highest first-class score in his final first-class season and therefore doesn’t subscribe to the theory that players on the wrong side of 30 are necessarily one season away from retirement.

“Age is not a factor. The senior veterans in the Cape Cobras team have been around the block and they know what is required to achieve success. The most important characteristic is the motivation to reproduce the goods.

“I would like us as a team to play for one another and to work as a strong unit. It is a game of small margins, and when it is tight, the scales will tilt in the direction of the team with a strong cohesion,” he added.

Angelo Carolissen, chairman of the board of Western Cape Cricket, hailed the appointment of the two professionals.

“It is great to have an iconic, world-class former player like Ashwell on board. He is a true professional and will add value to the support structure and performances of the team. His experience as a batting consultant is invaluable to the team.

“It is also great to have a former true blood Western Province star like Dawson involved in the structures. He was a wholehearted performer. His knowledge of the game and of the current crop of players will add value to the Cape Cobras,” he said.

 

[SeamUp]

Adams' future at the Cobras in the balance.

The future of Cape Cobras coach Paul Adams has split the Western Cape franchise down the middle.

Adams’ position has been cast under the spotlight after 14 of the contracted Cobras’ playing squad lodged a formal complaint. It is believed that his retention as head coach could possibly lead to an exodus of senior players.

Due to the serious nature of the matter, an independent panel of William Pick, Cyril O’ Connor, Njongonkulu Ndugane, Rushdie Magiet and Courtney Sampson will oversee the matter. The panel, along with the South African Cricketers Association, advised that a mediator be appointed, with former Proteas mental conditioning coach Paddy Upton assuming the role.

Upton has submitted his report to the WCC. It will be addressed at a board meeting tonight. However, it is understood that Adams has the full support of the WCC executive board and that he will not be dismissed, especially as the former Proteas spinner is in possession of a new two-year contract.

“I was made aware of complaints after last season was completed,” Adams said. “I am a young coach and always willing to learn and take these observations on board. I wish it was communicated to me during the season, so that it could be addressed.

“I have undergone a leadership course during the winter and I’m confident of the way forward. The sun is out and the boys are outdoors training in the nets. That’s my focus at the moment, to get my players ready for the new season.”

But the expected retention of Adams is unlikely to be greeted with approval from the majority of the Cobras players, which includes Proteas stars Hashim Amla, Dale Steyn, Wayne Parnell, Dane Piedt, JP Duminy, Stiaan van Zyl and Vernon Philander.

The remaining 11 are first-class captain Omphile Ramela, limited-overs skipper Justin Ontong, wicketkeeper-batsmen Andrew Puttick and Dane Vilas, batsmen Keegan Petersen and Richard Levi - and seamers Beuran Hendricks, Dane Paterson, Lizaad Williams, Rory Kleinveldt and Tshepo Moreki.

Angelo Carolissen, chairman of the WCC board, on Wednesday only stated that “the board will meet on Thursday whereafter a press release will be sent out”.

South African Cricketers’ Association chief executive Tony Irish has confirmed that several Cobras players had lodged a “formal grievance to the breakdown in their relationship with the coach”.

The WCC’s expected decision to stick with Adams stems from the 39-year-old’s success since his appointment back in 2012. He steered the Cobras to a share of the One-Day Cup titles in 2012-13 and 2013-14 season, while winning back-to-back Sunfoil Series during the same periods. The Cobras also won the RamSlam T20 Challenge in 2014-15, and also qualified for the now-defunct Champions League T20 in India two years ago.

Last season, though, was the first time in eight campaigns that the Cape outfit failed to add any silverware to the Newlands trophy cabinet. The WCC board had hoped to halt this slide with a shake-up of Adams’ support staff.

Former Proteas Test batsman Ashwell Prince - a 66-cap veteran - was earlier this week installed as assistant coach, with a specific focus on mentoring batting prodigies like Zubayr Hamza, Jason Smith, Keegan Petersen and Simon Khomari. Prince has replaced former Boland batsman Salieg Nackerdien.

 

[StephenZA]

I think its really good that both Prince and Boucher have joined the SA domestic coaching setup... can only bode well keeping experience like that in SA.

Mark Boucher on coaching Titans: 'I don't think I will be so aggressive as a coach' | Cricket | ESPN Cricinfo
It does amuse me that Boucher thinks he will remain calm... I think their is a big difference being head-coach with a home domestic franchise versus consultant for some Indian franchise paying you lots of money for 3 months.

 

[Marius]

I think its really good that both Prince and Boucher have joined the SA domestic coaching setup... can only bode well keeping experience like that in SA.

Mark Boucher on coaching Titans: 'I don't think I will be so aggressive as a coach' | Cricket | ESPN Cricinfo
It does amuse me that Boucher thinks he will remain calm... I think their is a big difference being head-coach with a home domestic franchise versus consultant for some Indian franchise paying you lots of money for 3 months.

Also this line: 'He accepted the job, for which he will move from Cape Town to Pretoria - a little like going from Sydney to the outback'.

Wut?

Either Fridose has never been to Pretoria, or never been to the Outback, if she thinks they're comparable.

 

[SeamUp]

Situation going into the domestic season :

Guys like Rossouw, Bavuma and Pretorius in the ODI squad for Ireland will be available for the first two rounds of 4-day Sunfoil Series unless one of them gets called up to replace AB there as well.

SQUAD FOR AUSTRALIA ODI'S (SEP 30 TO OCT 12)

AMLA, DE KOCK, DU PLESSIS, DE VILLIERS, DUMINY, BEHARDIEN, MILLER
MORRIS, PARNELL, PHEHLUKWAYO
TAHIR, SHAMSI, PHANGISO
STEYN, RABADA, ABBOTT

* The one's in bold not definite for the test tour.

Morkel may play in the Sunfoil Series to gain fitness ?

The test squad arrive in Australia in mid-October so the test specialists will be playing in the first two rounds of Sunfoil Series. Guys like Elgar, Cook, Philander, Piedt (Bavuma, Rossouw, Pretorius, Morkel too).

SUNFOIL SERIES

First round : OCT 5-8
Second Round : OCT 11-14
Third Round : OCT 20-23
Fourth Round : OCT 27-30
& so on.


COBRAS

Andrew PUTTICK
Simon KHOMARI
Stiaan VAN ZYL
Omphile RAMELA (c)
Justin ONTONG
Dane VILAS (wk)
Vernon PHILANDER
Dane PIEDT
Dane PATERSON
Beuran HENDRICKS
Tshepo MOREKI

From round 3 :

PARNELL could come in for Philander. If Parnell is selected for the test tour to Australia then Jason SMITH would come in.
George LINDE to come in for Piedt.

Richard LEVI & Rory KLEINVELDT may be rested for a bit after County cricket season with Northants. Both returning next season. Both will definitely be more involved in the limited overs stuff.

Keegan PETERSEN, Zubyr HAMZA, Aviwe MGIJIMA & Lizaad WILLIAMS make up the rest of the squad.
Petersen & Hamza can only be pushing for Ontong's position.
Williams competing with Paterson, Hendricks and Kleinveldt for a seamer position.
Mgijima will probably replace Khomari in the limited overs stuff. Not really good enough but will probably take up seam-up and batting in lower to middle order.

Khomari is the only player not centrally contracted by Cobras above. Young all-rounder, Dayyan GALIEM, could make a break through later in the season depending how his season goes for Western Province. Prince should be helpful for his batting but not sure who will help him with his bowling. Maybe Alan Dawson can play duel roles ?


WARRIORS

David WHITE
Gihahn CLOETE
Colin ACKERMANN
Mohammed VALLIE
Colin INGRAM (c)
Jerry NQOLO
Clyde FORTUIN (wk)
Simon HARMER
Andrew BIRCH
Sisanda MAGALA
Aya GQAMANE

From Round 3:

if ABBOTT doesn't make the test tour then he will have to come in for Birch unfortunately.
Experienced Michael PRICE will probably be keeping David White on his toes or could be involved immediately especially if they decide to give Ingram a break after county season with Glamorgan.
Basheer WALTERS , Thando MNYAKA, Ngazi SIGWILI will probably have to compete with Magala/Gqamane and Lesiba NGOEPE with Cloete/Vallie/Fortuin

JJ SMUTS, Christiaan JONKER will probably come in for White and Ackermann in the limited overs stuff. Another option is Smuts's spin could be good enough for some surfaces and Harmer doesn't play the odd limited overs game.

Eastern Province have Eddie MOORE, Kelly SMUTS & Anrich NORTJE who will probably not get any franchise cricket.
Border's Somila SEYIBOKWE may compete with Ngoepe (I mentioned above) & the three mentioned that he has to compete with.


DOLPHINS

Imraan KHAN
Sarel ERWEE
Khaya ZONDO
Daryn SMIT
Sibonelo MAKHANYA
Morne VAN WYK (wk|) (c)
Calvin SAVAGE
Keshav MAHARAJ
Daryn DUPAVILLON
Craig ALEXANDER
Mthokozisi SHEZI

From round 3 :

The whole composition of the team will be determined of Andile PHEHLUKWAYO goes to Australia. Probably wouldn't be ideal for him as needs the cricket.
Divan VAN WYK competing with Sarel ERWEE for the opening spot in 4-day cricket. Cameron DELPORT will take this spot in T20 cricket & maybe 50-overs.
Vaughn VAN JAARSVELD can possibly only get in if he opens or competes with Smit. Will definitely be in the limited overs teams.
Tshepang DITHOLE probably competing with Makhanya for now. In time may take the gloves from M. van Wyk.
Cody CHETTY in for Khan in limited overs cricket possibly.
Will Imran TAHIR play franchise cricket if he doesn't go to Australia ? Think Prenelan SUBRAYEN will only play if going two spinners.
Robbie FRYLINCK will take on Savage and Dupavillon for their spots , especially in limited overs cricket.
Rabian ENGELBRECHT pushing for Craig ALEXANDER's position even though only contracted to KZN Coastal.


KNIGHTS

Letlotlo SESELE
Michael ERLANK
Rilee ROSSOUW
Theunis DE BRUYN (c)
Rudi SECOND (wk)
Tumelo BODIBE
Robin PETERSON
Shadley VAN SCHALKWYK
Duanne OLIVIER
Marchant DE LANGE
Mbulelo BUDAZA

From round 3 :

Dave Miller will come back in. Will have to replace Rudi Second ? Because Rossouw and de Bruyn have to play ? Tumelo Bodibe to take the gloves then.
Pite van Biljon & Patrick Botha will have to play second fiddle to Rossouw, Miller, De Bruyn unless called up for SA together. Longer term prospects will be Leus Du Plooy & schoolboy Raynard VAN TONDER.
Diego ROSIER will have to compete with ERLANK unless balance of the team changes and a 'black African' spinner or extra seamer is chosen.
Patrick KRUGER of Northern Cape is one to watch for limited overs stuff. Takes the new ball on.
Where will Werner Coetsee fit ? Last seasons players player of the year. Think it will be difficult with Robbie P coming in. The SA u19 spinner , Sean WHITEHEAD ,will come in for his first season with Free State & is one to watch but Tshepo NTULI (Free State) & Akhona KULA (Northern Cape) will have to get chances first as spinners due to balance of the teams.
Dillon DU PREEZ and Corne DRY will have to only cover De Lange and Olivier.
Free State quick , Lwandiswa ZUMA, back from a serious injury may push Budaza out.


LIONS

Stephen COOK (c)
Rassie VAN DER DUSSEN
Reeza HENDRICKS
Temba BAVUMA
Dominic HENDRICKS
Devon CONWAY
Mangaliso MOSEHLE (wk)
Dwaine PRETORIUS
Bjorn FORTUIN
Hardus VILJOEN
Aya MYOLI

From round 3 :

When Cook leaves for Australia they may have to go a batsman less or they bring in Alviro PETERSEN but I reckon they will use him mainly for limited overs cricket after season with Lancashire.
Nicky VAN DER BERGH is the reserve keeper as another option.
Schoolboy Wiaan MULDER maye get introduced in 50-over cricket but who knows. On De Kock/Rabada level says Coach Toyana.
Matt McGILLVRAY, Sean JAMISON and Keith DUDGEON to cover Pretorius and Viljoen.
Aaron PHANGISO or Eddie LEIE could come in for Fortuin depending on ski colour balance.
Nono PONGOLO covering Gauteng strikers contracted Myoli. Doubt Rabada will be playing.

North West batting talent like Janneman MALAN, Wihan LUBBE and Marques ACKERMAN don't really have gaps to take.

TITANS

Assuming Morne MORKEL doesn't play.

Heino KUHN (c)
Dean ELGAR
Aiden MARKRAM
Grant MOKOENA
Qaasim ADAMS
Heinrich KLAASEN (wk)
David WIESE
Malusi SIBOTO
Eldred HAWKEN
Junior DALA
Rowan RICHARDS

From round 3 :

Could have Behardien and Morris returning & Elgar leaving.

No spinner above so when Shamsi returns he will replace one of Hawken or Richards. Boucher commenting he likes Hawken a lot though.

Reserves :

Batsmen : Daniel SINCUBA (Cover Mokoena & reserve keeper), Henry DAVIDS & Jonathan VANDIAR (More limited overs but difficult to get in)
Batsman/seam bowler : Grant THOMSON (difficult to get in), Albie MORKEL (to play in limited overs cricket only)
Seamers : Rowan RICHARDS and Lungi NGIDI to compete with Siboto, Dala, Hawken.

Shaun VON BERG has a contract for the Titans but can't see him bowling a ball for them this season.

 

[SeamUp]

Tough group starting today. Could have been a finals weekend.

 

[SeamUp]

Highveld Lions had their season launch the other night. Nice to see some cold beverages being exploited. Looked like a boozy evening.

Van der Dussen, Gordon Parsons, Cook, R.Hendricks, Lubbe

Pretorius, Cook & D.Hendricks