Eagles Cricket News

Steyn fined 100 per cent of match fee for ICC Code of Conduct breach

Mon, 05 Jul 2010 11:00:14 +0200

South Africa fast bowler Dale Steyn has been fined 100 per cent of his match fee for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during his country’s third Test match against the West Indies.

Steyn pleaded guilty to spitting in the direction of opposition player Sulieman Benn during the third day of the match in Barbados on Monday. Steyn was found to have committed a Level 2 breach of the code contrary to clause 2.2.11 which relates to conduct of a serious nature that is “contrary to the spirit of the game”.

The incident took place when Steyn was dismissed, bowled by Kemar Roach, in the 132nd over of South Africa’s first innings. As he walked off, Steyn appeared to spit in the direction of Benn and, following the day’s play, the charge was brought by on-field umpires Steve Davis and Simon Taufel, third umpire Asad Rauf and fourth official Clyde Duncan.

“Dale’s behaviour was entirely unacceptable and he knows that,” said Jeff Crowe of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees.

“The fact that he was provoked by Sulieman during his time at the crease helps to explain his actions but cannot excuse them. Test cricket can be an examination of one’s emotions as well as skill and players must learn to keep those emotions in check sufficiently to play within the spirit of the game. This was an ugly moment of which I’m sure Dale is not proud,” said Mr Crowe.

Level 2 breaches carry a minimum penalty of 50 per cent of a player’s match fee and a maximum penalty of their full match fee and/or two suspension points, which amounts to one Test match or two ODIs. The full text of the code can be found at http://icc-cricket.yahoo.net/rules_and_regulations.php.

SA U19 Strike First

Mon, 05 Jul 2010 10:59:00 +0200

SA Under-19 took the early advantage with a 75-run win over Zimbabwe U19 in the first Limited-Over match at the Harare Sports Club on Sunday. Zimbabwe offered no resistance towards South Africa’s fired up bowling attack and were bundled out for 94 runs.

Keagan Rafferty (3/21) and Riyaad Henry (3/24) were the chief destructors, with the final wicket falling in the 35th over. Rafferty and Henry were impressively economical in their spells and partnered well to build up the pressure. Rabian Engelbrecht (1/29) and Keaton Jennings (1/14) were the other wicket-takers in the four-man attack.

In the morning, Jennings, who was also named man of the match, anchored the innings with a brilliant 50 off 77 balls after a shaky start for South Africa. Zimbabwe’s attack exposed the top order and left the visitors reeling at 64/5.

Jennings and Johan du Preez (28) led the recovery and starred in the highest partnership of the low-scoring match. The pair buoyed South Africa from danger to safety, with their 50-run stand coming off 67 balls.

Number eight batsman, Quinton de Kock, came in with a spirited performance towards the end of the innings to help the team to a score above the 150 mark. He smashed 43 runs off 41 balls, including three (4’s) two (6’s).

The next match takes place on Monday 5 July 2010, with South Africa enjoying the early 1-0 lead in the five match series.

CSA Congratulates New IC President

Mon, 05 Jul 2010 10:58:08 +0200

Cricket South Africa (CSA) President, Dr Mtutuzeli Nyoka, has congratulated Mr. Sharad Pawar, former chief of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on his appointment as President of the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Dr. Nyoka said: “CSA wishes to congratulate Mr. Pawar on his recent appointment as ICC President. Mr. Pawar is an astute and experienced administrator who is a seminal figure not only in establishing India as a cricket powerhouse but also his vision has helped enhance the image and popularity of the game worldwide.

“CSA is hopeful that he will serve with great success in his new role, and we commit our support in all his efforts to further promote our game.

“In the few years that I have known him he has become both a mentor and a friend. His appointment, no doubt, does justice to his extra-ordinary attributes."

2010 FIFA World Cup Inspires SA U19 Squad

Mon, 05 Jul 2010 10:56:56 +0200

The SA Under-19 squad will be riding on the national pride and sentiment that the FIFA 2010 World Cup has brought to the country, ahead of their two-week tour of Zimbabwe. The squad departed on Wednesday and will play in five limited-over matches and two Pro20 matches, starting on Sunday 4 July in Harare.

“Playing for your country is every boy’s dream and it is coming true for us. We have seen how the World Cup and Bafana Bafana has united our country and it makes it even more special to be playing for South Africa,” said Free State all-rounder, Simon Khomari.

Khomari, along with Boland fast-bowler Rabian Engelbrecht are the only players in the 15-man squad who featured at the ICC U19 World Cup in New Zealand in January. The new crop of players have been part of CSA’s Talent Acceleration Programme (TAP), which identifies and monitors potential players at an early age and gives way for a high concentration of quality players coming through.

CSA and the Proteas have voiced their 100% support for South Africa and Bafana Bafana, despite the host nations early exit from the Competition. With only eight matches to go in the World Cup, the competition has reached an exciting phase, with teams vying for the biggest prize in world soccer.

Griqualand Batsman, Gihahn Cloete said that although it was unfortunate that they would be out of the country ahead of the business end of the World Cup, playing for South Africa means more to them than anything. The 17 year-old became the third youngest player, at 17 years and five days, to score a century in the CSA First-Class Three-Day Competition and is looking forward to scoring more runs for his country.

“My goal is to obviously continue with my run-scoring form on this tour but I also want to enjoy every moment. I had a good start to my season this year but I got distracted towards the end so hopefully I can spend more time at the crease and strengthen my mental toughness,” commented Cloete.

Captain, Keaton Jennings will lead a squad brimmed with talent and the hunger to learn, potential that he hopes will be exposed on the tour. The rest of the country may well be focusing on the soccer during their tour but Jennings has only one focus; to make his country proud.

“We have obviously set high goals for ourselves as a team and we will be going out there to stick to them. We know that Zimbabwe are one of the minnows in world cricket and we can’t afford to be complacent, but I am confident that we can come back with successful series’ victories. Captaining my country is the highlight of my cricketing career and I’m not going to give it anything but my 100% best,” said Jennings.

SA U19 Squad
Keaton Jennings (Captain) – Gauteng, Gihaan Cloete – Griqualand West, David Bunn – Northerns, James Price – Eastern Province, Simon Khomari – Free State, Johan du Preez (Wicket-Keeper) – Easterns, Shaylin Pillay - Gauteng, Calvin Savage – KwaZulu-Natal Inland, Keagan Rafferty – Free State, Chad Fortune – Western Province, Rabian Engelbrecht – Boland, Quinton de Kock – Gauteng, Riyaad Henry – Boland, Lionel Vaaltyn – Eastern Province, Diego Rosier – Griqualand West.

Management
Morgan Pillay – Manager, Ray Jennings – Coach, Geoffrey Toyana – Assistant Coach, Shaheed Alexander – Assistant Coach, Megan Dutton – Physiotherapist.

Itinerary

Sunday 4 July, 1st Limited-Over Match
Monday 5 July, 2nd Limited-Over Match
Wednesday 7 July, 3rd Limited-Over Match
Thursday 8 July, 4th Limited-Over Match
Saturday 10 July, 5th Limited-Over Match
Sunday 11 July, Pro20 Match
Monday 12 July, Pro20 Match

Proteas caught up in World Cup emotion

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 08:27:13 +0200

THE Proteas’ Castle Test squad find themselves in a unique situation as they focus on the start of the Test series against the West Indies on Thursday and at the same time get caught up in the hype of the 2010 Soccer World Cup which starts in South Africa the following day.

When Bafana Bafana kick-off the tournament against Mexico at Soccer City on Friday, the first ball of the second day of the first Cricket Test will be about to be delivered.

Apart from the focus on the cricket there are so many other emotions in the Proteas’ camp: the excitement that can be felt thousands of kilometres away in the Caribbean and is so evident even via the medium of television screens….the frustration and jealousy that they cannot be part of the live event….most importantly of all the pride of being a South African when our country is the point of focus of the entire world.

“Nobody is really expecting Bafana Bafana to win the World Cup,” commented Proteas’ captain Graeme Smith. “Everybody just wants them to make us proud, play well as a team and really represent the country well. Reading and watching (on TV) what is going on, it is exciting to be part of the event. For our country to host such an awesome event is terrific for South Africa.

“I was reading today about the people out on the streets supporting our team and to read that makes you really proud to be South African. It is making us more and more jealous each day that we can’t see it.

“At the same time we have got an honour in representing our country here in the Caribbean. It is our opportunity hopefully to do that well.

“The World Cup has emphasized once again that sport is the greatest unifying factor in our country. There is so much good news coming out of our sport at the moment. You only have to think of the Blue Bulls taking the Super 14 final to Soweto and now Bafana taking a great unbeaten run with plenty of confidence and momentum into the World Cup.”

Watching Bafana’s opening game live is obviously not an option for the Proteas but they will definitely watch a recording of the game in the evening (West Indies time) although keeping the result secret that long may be impossible.

“Somebody around the dressing room is bound to leak the score out,” added Smith, “but we have made arrangements to have the game taped and re-played for us later in the evening.”

There is no doubt which team the Proteas will be supporting but there is also a huge sense of anticipation at seeing some of the game’s great individuals of the current era.

Lionel Messi of Argentina, Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal, Fernando Torres of Spain, Kaka of Brazil and Wayne Rooney of England are some of the obvious favourites. Others have gone for Xavi of Spain, Gennaro Gatuso of Italy and Thierry Henry of France.

“I am picking Bafana Bafana to be the surprise team of the tournament,” said Smith, “and Steven Pienaar to be the surprise individual to stand out. We get home at quarter-final stage so we are still hoping to see Bafana Bafana live.”

Amla wicket gives West Indies the advantage

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 08:18:04 +0200

GRAEME SMITH gained an important advantage when he won the toss and decided to bat first on a pitch that turned sharply when spin was introduced as early as the start of the 13^th over.

But this was negated to a large extent by the loss of three wickets for 70 runs in a severely rain-shortened first day of the Test series against the West Indies at Queen’s Park Oval on Thursday.

Not surprisingly all three wickets fell to the spinning duo of Sulieman Benn and Shane Shillingford with the latter being one of two players to be making his West Indies Test debut. The latter must have been absolutely delighted with his opening salvo of 2/5 in 6 overs.

The other debutant for the West Indies was fast bowler Nelon Pascal who found conditions much less to his liking.

Benn claimed the wicket of South Africa’s most in-form batsman, Hashim Amla, and it was that scalp that gave the home side a decisive advantage on day one.

Not that the Proteas don’t have good batting still available. Jacques Kallis is still at the crease with night watchman Paul Harris and there is still AB de Villiers, Ashwell Prince and Mark Boucher to come.

What seems obvious is that this will be a low-scoring Test match and that runs are going to be at a premium.

Only time will tell how much of the early spin can be put down to the worn surface and how much to the moisture in the pitch following the amount of rain that has fallen in the past week.

Only 34 overs were possible on Thursday which means that play will start half an hour early on Friday (3.30pm SA time).

The Proteas awarded a first Test cap to left-arm swing bowler Lonwabo Tsotsobe who becomes the 74^th player to be capped in the five-day game by Cricket South Africa.

He is the first international cricketer to be produced by Westering High School in Port Elizabeth.

Another Amla Ton, Another Proteas Victory

Mon, 31 May 2010 09:16:27 +0200

HASHIM AMLA achieved another personal milestone in his flourishing international career when he anchored the Proteas’ Standard Bank ODI squad to a seven-wicket victory over the West Indies at the Windsor Park Stadium, Dominica, on Sunday.

It was a result that kept the Proteas on target for a 5-0 series clean sweep. They now lead 4-0 with the final match to be played at Trinidad’s Queen’s Park Oval on Thursday (3.30pm SA time start).

Amla made 129 off 115 balls (9 fours and 2 sixes) for his third ODI century and his second of this series to collect his third man of the match award on this tour.

What made the innings personally significant for Amla was that this was the first time he had been able to set up a Proteas’ chase of such a formidable nature as the 304 runs required on this occasion rather than a target through batting first.

“I did get an unbeaten 80 when we chased down 223 to clinch the series against Australia at Adelaide in 2009,” he commented, “but that was a far less demanding target than today’s one, particularly when the conditions of extreme heat are taken into account, and I have been hoping for the opportunity to do this sort of job for some time.

“I felt it was important to take my career forward to a new level.”

But for heat exhaustion which undoubtedly was a major contribution to his dismissal and caused him to be put on a drip in the changing room afterwards Amla would probably have batted through the innings and thus achieved another milestone of spending the entire 100 overs on the field.

In the end he fell just 11 runs short of his career best 140 against Bangladesh at Benoni in 2008 and this performance will certainly lift him into the top 10 on the ICC Reliance Mobile ODI batting ratings for the first time in his career. He was ranked No. 12 after the second match of this series.

With typical modesty Amla gave more credit to AB de Villiers for getting him through a difficult period of exhaustion and dehydration than in taking credit for a magnificent achievement.

“AB is a magnificent cricketer in many ways. He realized how tired I was getting and he said he would back me to go for my shots by making sure that he stayed in to maintain the momentum of the innings. He said: ‘go for your shots but just play good cricket shots and don’t worry about running twos. We will just settle for singles. I will keep up my end in case you get out’.”

So it turned out to be as De Villiers and JP Duminy batted the game out although in the words of captain Graeme Smith both players would have preferred a less conservative finish that saw the game go down to the very last ball.

Smith said that he had been pleased with the performance of his bowlers and fielders for the first 34 overs of the West Indies innings up to the second drinks break but felt that the weather had taken its toll thereafter.

“There is no doubt that two games in three days in such testing conditions takes a lot out of the players but it is always nice to win and still have things to work on and improve.

“Our confidence levels are improving all the time and a 5-0 series win will be the best way we can come back after we were all so badly affected by our poor showing at the ICC World Twenty20.”

Dale Steyn was rested for Sunday’s match which also marked De Villiers’ 100^th ODI appearance and it is possible that there will be more squad rotation on Thursday.

Proteas Cricketers Learn to Diski

Mon, 31 May 2010 09:15:18 +0200

Proteas cricketers, Rusty Theron, Wayne Parnell, Paul Harris and the Women’s captain, Cri-Zelda Brits spent their Football Friday learning the Diski Dance as Cricket South Africa (CSA) and the Proteas reaffirmed their 100% support for Bafana Bafana with 14 days to go to the FIFA World Cup.

As Graeme Smith and the Proteas Standard Bank ODI team geared up for tonight’s third ODI against West Indies, Theron, Parnell, Harris and Brits along with CSA staff, received professional tips on how to Diski from Kasi Entertainment.

“The World Cup fever in the country is amazing with only two weeks to go to the tournament. Learning the Diski Dance was an interesting experience, I think I will keep my moves on the dance floor but a wonderful opportunity to get behind this awesome event. I will be in the Caribbean for the greater part of the competition but I have tickets to the Semi’s and maybe to the Finals! Who knows it could be South Africa playing…” commented Harris.

Parnell took to the Diski Dance like he does to a seaming wicket and can’t wait to show off his moves when he returns to Port Elizabeth.

“With only two weeks to go to the World Cup we want to show Bafana Bafana that we are 100% behind them. It is wonderful to finally learn the Diski, it is not as easy as I thought it would be, but I’m doing my part to show my support for Bafana Bafana,” remarked Parnell.

“It is such an overwhelming feeling to be South African right now, the atmosphere around the country is electrifying. Bafana Bafana will have the backing of the entire country and I hope they will make us proud, they have nothing to lose. There is no greater honour than representing your country and doing so with your home backing is a once in a lifetime opportunity,” said Theron.

National Women’s captain Cri-Zelda Brits said: “All the best to Bafana Bafana, it is such a special time for our country and I am so proud to be South African.”

CSA CEO Gerald Majola said: “We launched the 100% Behind Bafana Bafana campaign with 50 days to go to the 2010 FIFA World Cup. We are now less than 15 days away from the showpiece event. Win or lose, CSA and the Proteas are 100% Behind Bafana Bafana!”

CSA and the Proteas’ 100% Behind Bafana Bafana campaign was launched on 21 April 2010 to coincide with 50 days to the World Cup.

The campaign, which aims to show South Africans that all national teams deserve their 100% support, has been endorsed by the South African Football Association (SAFA).

SAFA CEO, Leslie Sedibe, said: “SAFA and Bafana Bafana appreciate the support of CSA and the Proteas. We look forward to their 100% support during the World Cup.”

The CSA family is supportive of the Football Friday initiative, with head office staff regularly wearing their Bafana Bafana shirts, while counting down the days to kickoff with enthusiasm.

CSA also uses its online platforms, Facebook and Twitter, to show its 100% support for Bafana Bafana, and encourage the cricket family to throw their weight behind this historic event.

The Proteas, who will be on a nine week tour in the Caribbean for the majority of the football showpiece, return to South Africa in the first week of July, in the hope of attending matches during the business end of the World Cup.

Proteas captain, Graeme Smith said: “I would just like to wish Bafana Bafana, and Aaron (Mokoena) in particular, a wonderful 2010 World Cup. We know they will make South Africa proud and they must just know that we are behind them 100% all the way.”

Proteas' Matches Moved to Trinidad

Mon, 31 May 2010 09:13:38 +0200

The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) has advised Cricket South Africa (CSA) that the Proteas matches scheduled for Jamaica, will be moved to Trinidad following the declaration of a state of emergency in parts of Kingston, because of an outbreak of civil violence there.

Sabina Park was due to host the final ODI, a warm-up match and the first Test starting on June 10 but the two internationals will now be held at the Queen's Park Oval in Trinidad with a venue for the practice match still to be confirmed.

Trinidad had originally been scheduled to hold the two Twenty20 internationals and the opening two ODIs but they were moved to Antigua after a general election was called.

CSA CEO Gerald Majola said: “CSA is monitoring the situation closely there with the West Indies Cricket Board, the International Cricket Council and the South African Government. The Proteas safety is our first priority and we thank that WICB for their swift action.

The remaining Tests will be held in St Kitts and Barbados later in June.

Proteas to get Replacement Kit

Mon, 31 May 2010 09:12:19 +0200

The Standard Bank Proteas One-Day International team will receive replacement playing kit ahead of the One Day International series against West Indies, starting on Saturday in Antigua.

The team found itself in an embarrassing situation during the first International Pro20 match on Wednesday night when the names and numbers of the players were peeling off the shirts.

The team's official kit supplier, Reebok, has since apologised to CSA and the Proteas for the error, while CSA has worked tirelessly to minimise the damage caused.

CSA CEO Gerald Majola said: "We convened an urgent meeting at CSA on Thursday morning to sort out this messy situation. To ensure there were no further hiccups, CSA got Reebok to deliver a fresh batch of correct one day international kit to us on Thursday afternoon.

"Our Procurement Officer flew to the West Indies (via London) last night and will be personally delivering this kit to the team on Friday afternoon."

The Proteas play West Indies in the first ODI in Antigua on Saturday. The match starts at 3pm and will be broadcast on SuperSport 2. Fans can also follow the action at www.cricket.co.za, Cricket South Africa on Facebook and @OfficialCSA on Twitter.

Chevrolet Knights now a tight unit

Tue, 18 May 2010 04:14:42 +0200

There was a grievance against the coach of the central franchise, Sarel Cilliers. The board of directors evaluated the grievance and after several individual meetings between the sub committees of the board and players it was decided to convene a meeting with the board and the players which took place on the 17th.

In this joint meeting the decision by the board to implement new structures was discussed with the players. This decision was unanimously accepted and will ensure early detection and immediate handling of any grievance or unhappiness in future.

“The board is extremely happy that the grievance was handled in a positive manner by all parties. The board believes the Chevrolet Knights will with the new identity have new founded enthusiasm and the hunger to bring trophies to the central region as a unit,” said Johan van Heerden, CEO of the Chevrolet Knights.

The chairman of the board, Mr. Leon Crawley, said by inquiry that the players of any franchise are their biggest asset and is also extremely satisfied with the outcome of the meeting with the players yesterday. It is important to create an atmosphere in which the players can flourish. “We know that Sarel Cilliers, his management team and players will form a close unit and that they will make us proud as the Chevrolet Knights,” said Crawley.

“We are grateful that the situation was resolved. The board put things in place to give us the best possible chance to be successful as a team,” said Boeta Dippenaar. According to Dippenaar the players are very excited about the new identity. “It feels like a new beginning after a struggling season behind us. It’s like were beginning on a new page,” said Dippenaar.

Dippenaar also made an appeal to the supporters of the central franchise who supported them as the Diamond Eagles to also unite behind the Chevrolet Knights. The Eagles came from Free State’s side and the central franchise tried to unite two identities into one. With the new identity it is the central franchises final step to fuse Free State and Griqualand West under one identity for the franchise.

The players and board unanimously feels the step will unite the central region under one name.

By Hannes Nienaber

Major boost for mini cricket

Tue, 20 Apr 2010 11:39:31 +0200

Cricket South Africa (CSA) on Tuesday announced that global brand KFC is its new sponsor for mini cricket which is the entry point to the game.

CSA CEO Gerald Majola said: “It is a major boost for the further growth of cricket in South Africa to have a famous international brand such as KFC on board at a critical level of the game.

“CSA has doubled cricket’s capacity over the past 10 years and we are looking to accelerate this growth even further over the next decade.

“KFC has committed for five years, with an option for a further five years which is an exceptional investment in CSA through mini cricket.

“This means that we can plan and expand over the next 10 years at the entry level of the sport for players, coaches and administrators.

“With KFC as its partner, CSA can bring critical new energies and bigger funding to harness the full potential we need to make cricket a truly national sport of winners.

“Mini cricket has produced many world stars over the last two decades, including members of the present Proteas’ squad. It also brings fun and fellowship to thousands of young South Africans, boys and girls.

“The successful basic format of the past for mini cricket will be retained, with innovations and growth points featuring prominently in the new KFC Mini Cricket programme to unearth the stars of tomorrow.

“KFC has already been part of the South African cricket family for two years and CSA is confident of a long and mutually beneficial relationship”.

Managing Director for KFC in Africa Keith Warren said : “We cannot begin to express how excited we are to partner with Cricket South Africa on this worthwhile programme.”

“As a supplier to CSA and the Proteas over the last two years, we have come to develop a great admiration for the quality of the people involved in the game and the professional approach with which they tackle their roles. Mini Cricket is no exception and while we remain deeply respectful of the work done to date we cannot wait to develop a plan together with CSA to take this property to its full potential”

Chief Marketing Officer Nikki Lawson added “KFC, like cricket has always been a much loved part of South African’s lives. We are fiercely proud of our Proteas and the great work Graeme Smith and his team do every time they take to the field to represent our country. With KFC Mini Cricket we hope to build the engine that introduces and inspires the Proteas teams of the future from every corner of South Africa.”

“For KFC this is not about writing a cheque, we intend using our budgets, energy and imaginations to grow KFC Mini Cricket into the biggest and best sporting development programme in the country.”

“Using our national foot print of restaurants, KFC is uniquely positioned to support the CSA vision of being a truly national sport of winners.”

“The KFC Mini Cricket property also supports the brands nutritional strategy where we strive to educate consumers about our product nutrition and support exercise programs. We want consumers to make informed choices about their balanced diet and incorporate exercise into a healthy lifestyle. We constantly strive to proactively improve the nutrition profile of our high quality food content, while providing great taste. We always will offer a variety of menu options at each of our brands that can be part of a sensibly-balanced diet.”

“Here’s to the future of cricket as together we turn KFC Mini Cricket into a Big Deal !”

Bangladesh tours a guide to the future

Mon, 19 Apr 2010 11:36:59 +0200

“Yesterday is history, today is a gift – that is why it is called the present – and tomorrow is a mystery” was one of the favourite quotes of former Proteas’ coach, the late Bob Woolmer.

The present is very much in the hands of Graeme Smith, Corrie van Zyl and the rest of the Standard Bank Pro20squad when they leave for the West Indies on Saturday in another attempt to win a major ICC title.

But tomorrow may not be quite such a mystery with the departure of the South Africa A side and the SA Academy squad on their respective tours of Bangladesh on Monday.

The A side – effectively a South African 2^nd XI – play two four-day matches against Bangladesh A and then take part in a triangular ODI series (4 round robin matches and a possible final) that also features West Indies A.

The Standard Bank Academy side will play two four-day matches, three ODIs and two Pro20 matches against their Bangladesh counterparts.

“South African cricket is embarking on an exciting expedition into the sub-continent when the SA A team and the SA Academy tour Bangladesh,” commented CEO CSA Gerald Majola.

“The importance of these tours cannot be over-stated because the outcome will impact meaningfully on the future of South African cricket.

“These squads represent the next two rungs below the Proteas’ and we are confident that they will produce collective and individual performances that will improve the standard of cricket even further at the highest level.

“They will be responsible for the next big push upwards as South African cricket strives to get to the top in all forms of the game and stay there.

“What is most heartening is to see that these squads are representative of most regions in South Africa, which means that our pipeline with its emphasis on striving for excellence is working well.

“It is also encouraging that a player like Thami Tsolekile has come through all the junior and senior levels of our system and now captains both SA A squads.

“The SA Academy team is particularly representative of the country’s demographics, and shows that CSA is on the right path to making cricket a truly national team of winners.

“CSA congratulates all the players in both teams on their selection and is confident that they will do their nation proud,” concluded Mr. Majola.

“I feel that we have a very strong squad,” commented South Africa A coach Russell Domingo. “What really excites me is the balance. We have plenty of international experience on board in the likes of Thami Tsolekile, Alviro Petersen, Paul Harris, Morne van Wyk and Johannes van der Wath.

“At the other end of the scale we have the best grouping of young batsmen to have emerged for some time. Dean Elgar, Colin Ingram, Rilee Rossouw, David Miller, Stiaan van Zyl and Jonathan Vandiar have all had excellent seasons and they represent the next generation of our batsmen.

“The seniors will know what to expect both in terms of the standard of play and the sub-continent conditions and I am confident that the youngsters will push them hard.”

The 35-year-old Domingo has previous experience of the sub-continent, having been there with the South African under-19 team five years ago. “They are moving into the middle of summer now, so it is going to be pretty hot.”

As a coach he does not intend to do things anything differently from the route that has brought him success in the Eastern Cape with the Chevrolet Warriors. “I am not a dictator who knows all the answers. I prefer to stay in the background and encourage the players to take responsibility for their own performances.

“ I am a great believer in getting a balance between being relaxed and not putting too much pressure on yourself. That is one of the aspects that has seen Colin Ingram emerge as such an exciting prospect this season,” he said of the Warriors’ left-hander whose career has taken off over the last six months.

“Colin has always been an outstanding talent and I feel that he now has the right balance to his game.”

The Standard Bank National Cricket Academy will also have the opportunity to test their character and skills on the sub-continent.

“We are really looking forward to the tour, this is a unique opportunity for these players. I had the chance to visit the sub-continent with the Diamond Eagles last year so I have made some notes on how the players should approach the conditions. The majority of the players had brilliant seasons for their respective teams after their winter training last year and it will be interesting to see how they cope under the adverse conditions,” said joint coach Adri Swanepoel.

The squad has been scaled down to 15 players due to injuries and study commitments. Pieter Malan, Andrea Agathagelou, Omphile Ramela and Richard Cameron will be unavailable and last years’ captain, Rilee Rossouw, will be touring with the SA A Squad. South Africa’s U19 star, Dominic Hendricks, is the only new addition to the touring party and has been rewarded for his sterling performance at the ICC U19 World Cup in New Zealand earlier this year.

South Africa A four-day squad: Thami Tsolekile (bizhub Highveld Lions, capt), Dean Elgar (Chevrolet Diamond Eagles), Quinton Friend (Nashua Dolphins), Paul Harris (Nashua Titans), Heino Kuhn (Nashua Titans), Ethy Mbhalati (Nashua Titans), Alviro Petersen (bizhub Highveld Lions), Vernon Philander (Nashua Cape Cobras), Rilee Rossouw (Chevrolet Diamond Eagles), Thandi Tshabalala (Chevrolet Diamond Eagles), Lonwabo Tsotsobe (Chevrolet Warriors), Johannes van der Wath (Diamond Eagles), Jonathan Vandiar (bizhub Highveld Lions), Stiaan van Zyl (Nashua Cape Cobras).

South Africa A one-day squad: Thami Tsolekile (bizhub Highveld Lions, capt), Ryan Bailey (Chevrolet Diamond Eagles), Paul Harris (Nashua Titans), Colin Ingram (Chevrolet Warriors), Ethy Mbhalati (Nashua Titans), David Miller (Nashua Dolphins), Vernon Philander (Nashua Cape Cobras), Rilee Rossouw (Chevrolet Diamond Eagles), Thandi Tshabalala (Chevrolet Diamond Eagles), Lonwabo Tsotsobe (Chevrolet Warriors), Jonathan Vandiar (bizhub Highveld Lions), Johannes van der Wath (Diamond Eagles), Morne van Wyk (Chevrolet Diamond Eagles), Stiaan van Zyl (Nashua Cape Cobras).

Team management: Russell Cupido (head coach), Shafiek Abrahams (manager/assistant coach), Vibahv Singh (physiotherapist), Greg King (fitness trainer), Russell Aspeling (video analyst), Johan Cloete (umpire).

Standard Bank Academy squad: Sean Adair ( EP), Roy Adams ( Griquas), Andrew Birch (EP), Tumelo Bodibe (Easterns), Dominic Hendricks (Gauteng), Keshav Maharaj (KZN), David Miller (KZN), Mangaliso Mosehle (Easterns), Pumelela Matshikwe (Gauteng), Obus Pienaar (Free State), Aubrey Swanepoel (Griquas), Yaseen Vallie (WP), Wian van Zyl (Free State), Gino Vries (Free State), Khaya Zondo (KZN). Management: Adri Swanepoel (Coach, Free State), Malibongwe Maketa (Coach, Northerns), Craig Govender (Physiotherapist, Gauteng).

Chevrolet Knights hand over prizes to supporters

Fri, 16 Apr 2010 11:58:04 +0200

The newly named Chevrolet Knights handed over the prizes that were up for grabs in the competition for the supporters of the central franchise to help find a new name for the Chevrolet Diamond Eagles.

Hanlie Hagen received the prize of a R5000 gift voucher from Kloppers. Hagen is a student at Kovsies studying education. The big prize of a weekend for two to Cape Town was won by Anna Bothma also from Bloemfontein.

The Chevrolet Knights hope to release their new logo to the media and supporters within the next week.

By Hannes Nienaber

Steyn blitzes Deccan Chargers

Tue, 13 Apr 2010 07:54:09 +0200

DALE STEYN returned to the scene of one of his greatest triumphs to hit his best form of the Indian Premier League third edition on Monday.

The brand new Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium on the outskirts of Nagpur was the scene of Steyn’s 10-wicket haul in the recent first Test match against India. It was a performance that put him in an elite group of foreign fast bowlers to achieve this feat on Indian soil.

Taking the new ball for the Royal Challengers Bangalore against the Deccan Chargers he ripped out Adam Gilchrist, in-form Indian batsman TL Suman and Herschelle Gibbs in the space of his first two overs. Gilchrist and Suman lasted two balls between them.

Not surprisingly Anil Kumble, the Royal Challengers Bangalore captain departed from custom to give Steyn a three-over opening burst and it nearly paid off as Rohit Sharma edged a delivery that reached Rahul Dravid at slip on the half-volley.

After the completion of Steyn’s spell (3/13 in 3 overs) the Deccan Chargers were struggling at 28/3.

It was a deserved reward for Steyn who has bowled at great speed throughout the tournament but without the luck needed to take wickets.

His form will give the Proteas a welcome boost ahead of the ICC World Twenty20 in the Caribbean at the end of the month.

There have been other positive pointers for the Proteas with Jacques Kallis engaged in a one-on-one battle with Sachin Tendulkar to be the leading runs scorer. Both are now past the 500 runs mark for the tournament.

JP Duminy has finally got some game time for the Mumbai Indians and was involved in a vital partnership with Tendulkar on Sunday to set up their victory over the Rajasthan Royals after the loss of three early wickets.

Rusty Theron has also done well for the Kings XI Punjab from limited opportunities and should get more now that Brett Lee has been ruled out with yet another injury.

Away from the IPL Hashim Amla has made an excellent debut for England county side Nottinghamshire making 86 in a three-day match against the Durham University line-up. Amla will be available for Nottinghamshire until he joins the Proteas in the middle of May for the ODI and Test series against the West Indies.

Kovsies defeated Players by eight wickets

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 10:43:32 +0200

Kovsies booked their place in the final of the club competition of the Free State with a eight wicket victory over Players of Kroonstad at the ABSA Oval in Bloemfontein yesterday.

Their opening batsmen, Jeandre van Wyk (51) and Lotle Sesele (56*) both scored half centuries. Players batted first and managed to score 126 before being bowled out. Their captain and opening batsman, Anton Botha (53), led from the front scoring a half century.

Lucas Boucher (30) and Phillip Serfontein (20*) also made some runs with the bat. The team from Kroonstad however struggled against the spin bowling with Michael Erlank (3/8), Patrick Botha (2/9) and Wiann van Zyl (2/20) taking the majority of the wickets. Manfred Venter was the best seam bowler for Kovsies grabbing two wickets for a mere 18 runs.

The teams:

Kovsies: Waldo Lategan, Jeandre van Wyk, Lotle Sesele, Griffen Nieuwoudt, Patrick Botha, Obus Pienaar, Michael Erlank, Alex Shahim, Wiann van Zyl, Gino Vries and Manfred Venter.

Kroonstad Players: Anton Botha (captain), Steve Jordaan, Lucas Boucher, Cecil Parsons, Warren Claassens, Leon Viljoen, Phillip Serfontein, Lerato Maroe, Mpho Ramuthibe, Bisto Setoaba and Jacques Swart.

By Hannes Nienaber

Kovsies champions of BCA Super League

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 10:40:45 +0200

The University of the Free State was crowned champions of the BCA Super League after defeating the Central University of Technology (CUT) by seven wickets at the ABSA Oval in Bloemfontein.

CUT batted first with their strong batting line-up which included Divan van Wyk, Ian O’Neill, Dean Elgar and Rilee Rossouw. The visitors scored 238/7 in their allotted 50 overs with Elgar scoring a century. The Chevrolet Diamond Eagles players struck eight fours and four sixes in his innings of 123 runs. Van Wyk (4) and Rossouw (4) failed with the bat.

Van Wyk’s stumps were rearranged by Gino Vries, while Rossouw’s stumps suffered the same fate with his former Grey College team mate Obus Pienaar (1/13) doing the damage. Riaan Jordaan also made a valuable contribution for CUT with his unbeaten 29 runs.

Vries (2/61) and Wiann van Zyl (2/28) was the best bowlers for Kovsies. The home side’s opening batsman, Jeanre van Wyk (127), was in devastating form facing a mere 96 balls in his innings strucking 10 fours and nine sixes. Griffen Nieuwoudt (38) and Patrick Botha (31*) also weighed in with some runs.

By Hannes Nienaber

Schools Stars Excited Ahead of Standard Bank Pro20 Final

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 08:25:12 +0200

The next generation of Pro20 cricketers have wished their fellow Franchises well, ahead of the final of the Standard Bank Pro20 Series between the Chevrolet Warriors and the bizhub Highveld Lions at AXXESS DSL St Georges on Friday night. The Standard Bank Schools Pro20 Challenge is in full swing and the captains of the respective teams involved have put their voice behind their teams, who they hope to one day play for.

Woodridge High School captain, Chris Ekron says there is no doubt that the title is staying in Port Elizabeth: “I think the Warriors will take it. They have been a great inspiration for young cricketers this season, we all look up to them and hopefully Colin Ingram and Rusty Theron will do the damage with the bat and ball. The Warriors have had a fantastic season and have rejuvenated Eastern Cape cricket.”

Woodridge is the Warriors’ explosive batsman Colin Ingram’s alma mater, where he matriculated in 2003. Woodridge coasted into the Eastern Province Schools Final after a convincing victory against favourites Grey High School. They will play St Andrews from Grahamstown next week to determine the Eastern Province winner.

King Edward VIII School (KES) meet Klerksdorp High School (KHS) in the Lions’ Franchise Schools Final taking place in Potchefstoom on Friday afternoon. KES are the current Gauteng Champions, while KHS outperformed their rival schools in the North West. KES captain, Keaton Jennings, is not only hopeful of a Lions victory, but wishes that the KES Old-Boys, Neil Mckenzie, Vaughn van Jaarsveld and Dane Vilas, will keep the “Teddy Bears’” flag flying high.

“I think the three or four KES boys in the side will go into the Standard Bank Pro20 Final with the never-give-up, die-hard KES spirit and we’re wishing the Lions all of the best. Pro20 cricket is a game of upsets and the underdog status will give the team more incentive and motivation to do well and to prove everyone wrong.”

However, KHS captain, Jan Bosman is in two minds as to whom they will be cheering on: “ Well it’s tough for us because Davey Jacobs schooled here and the Lions are our Franchise, but hopefully the best team will lift the trophy.”

The Final will be broadcast on Supersport from 17:30 PM and on SABC from 19:30 PM.

Selectors survey Proteas' form and fitness

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 08:22:26 +0200

THE national selectors will be looking for some critical answers when the third edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) starts on the sub-continent on Friday.

The IPL is not your normal cricket event. In the first place it is a Bollywood Entertainment Spectacular and the game itself has to fall within that parameter. It has given cricket a new profile as a global code that could just make its way into future Olympic Games, it has given the game’s super stars access to the sort of earning power that was previously well out of their reach, and it has most importantly brought a new audience to the game both through the glitz and glamour at the stadia and through the massive influence of television.

The IPL draws virtually all the big names of cricket – both present and, in some cases, past – subject to the guidelines of the International Cricket Council’s Future Tours Programme and it is much to Cricket South Africa’s credit that this country will be just as well represented as any other foreign power in this particular Indian domestic competition.

It is also the only top level competition taking place in this format of the game before the start of the next edition of the ICC World Twenty20 in the Caribbean at the end of April.

There is thus every reason for both the form and fitness of the leading Proteas’ candidates to be closely monitored over the course of the next six weeks.

The best possible scenario would be a return to form by JP Duminy in the colours of the Mumbai Indians, a resurgence in the form of spinners Johan Botha (Rajasthan Royals) and Roelof van der Merwe (Bangalore Royal Challengers), the continued development of Wayne Parnell (Delhi Daredevils) and an injury-free tournament for the likes of Graeme Smith (Rajasthan Royals), Jacques Kallis (Bangalore Royal Challengers), AB de Villiers (Delhi Daredevils) and Albie Morkel (Chennai Super Kings).

Although the IPL is a tournament dominated by the power hitters, the role of the bowlers is becoming increasingly important as the realization dawns that wickets are the only way to halt the flow of runs.

Virtually the entire Proteas’ attack will be in India and the opportunity will be there to compare the varying skills of Parnell, Dale Steyn (Bangalore Royal Challengers), Morne Morkel (Rajasthan Royals), Charl Langeveldt (Kolkata Knight Riders) and Yusuf Abdulla (Kings XI Punjab).

South African players contracted to the IPL

Chennai: Makhaya Ntini, Albie Morkel, Justin Kemp

Deccan: Herschelle Gibbs

Delhi: AB de Villiers, Wayne Parnell

Kings XI Punjab: Yusuf Abdulla

Kolkata: Charl Langeveldt, Morne van Wyk

Mumbai: JP Duminy, Ryan McLaren

Rajasthan: Graeme Smith, Johan Botha, Morne Morkel

Bangalore: Jacques Kallis, Mark Boucher, Dale Steyn, Roelof van der Merwe, Dillon du Preez

Warriors must beware of hungry Lions

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 08:19:52 +0200

THERE is no such thing as a reliable indicator as to what might happen in a 20 overs match; let alone when it is the final of the Standard Bank Domestic Pro20.

There have been three finals since the launch of the Champions’ League which is the ultimate pot of gold at the end of the rainbow for both franchises and players and all six franchises have reached one of those finals.

That shows just how fleeting Pro20 form can be. Friday’s final at Axxess DSL St. George’s features the Chevrolet Warriors against the bizhub Highveld Lions and the only pointer to the likely outcome that is of any value is the league match (a home outing for the Lions) that the Warriors won by five wickets but with only one ball to spare.

Vaughn van Jaarsveld showed the form that has earned him international recognition with the Proteas to set up the Lions total with a blistering innings of 72 off 51 balls with 7 fours and 3 sixes. The only problem was that another left-hander who is surely destined to wear Proteas’ colours as well, Colin Ingram, trumped him on the night.

Ingram went one better than Van Jaarsveld by smashing 82 off 52 balls with 7 fours and 4 sixes.

The Warriors can also point to the fact that they have benefited more than the Lions with the return of nationally contracted players of the calibre of Jacques Kallis, Mark Boucher and Wayne Parnell among others.

But the Lions are not likely to take much notice of that. The Nashua Titans also pitched up for their semi-final second leg with a host of returning Proteas on their home ground but for the Lions it was business as usual as they swept into the final in convincing style.

The Lions do have their share of experienced players in the likes of Neil McKenzie, Alviro Petersen, captain Thami Tsolekile and Zander de Bruyn but they are by and large a young team who are hungry for success and have the freedom to play without fear of failure.

They remind one of the Free State team that won its first major knock-out trophy in 1989 by defying all the odds to dethrone Western Province at Sahara Park Newlands. It was the start of a new era in South African domestic cricket.

The Lions have the chance to do the same. They have never been short of talent and South African cricket needs them to become a major player again.

The Warriors will start as favourites – and with good cause – but they will not need to be told that they are in for a very tough fight.