Baartman back for big week of ODC action
The Hollywoodbets Dolphins squad has received a boost as
experienced seamer Ottniel Baartman has recovered from injury to return to the
squad for a big week of One Day Cup action starting on Wednesday against
Goldrush Boland in Paarl.
It's a busy week of cricket for the Dolphins who are eager to prove their worth in the 50-over format and these two matches on the road will be important in the grand scheme of the overall competition.
Dolphins head coach Quinton Friend was candid in his reflection on their loss over the weekend.
"We were poor in all facets of the game and the Warriors just outplayed us," Friend said. "They got a very big score and we set ourselves a target at 30 overs in our chase and we were actually with that target but we had lost too many wickets.
"It was a very disappointing performance, but we now have a good chance to bounce back this week with two big games."
Heading to the Cape Winelands, the Dolphins have been able to get a bit of a gauge as to what to expect from the conditions in Paarl.
"Looking at the first match in Paarl between Boland and the Titans, it was quite a scrappy affair. The Titans didn't manage to get many runs which means we're going to have to be very smart in how we approach that surface.
"It's important that we are up for a scrap there. It's not going to be easy, no game is easy in this competition but we are going to have to make sure we are on top of our game.
"We going to need to make sure we take care of what we can from a batting, bowling and fielding point of view."
Looking forward to what to expect from the Paarl pitch, Friend believes that they will have their bases covered.
"It will be a pitch that will take a bit of turn. We've got three spinners to choose from and we will have a good bowling attack for those conditions.
"We're going to have to be smart in our decision making with the bat because we could come up against a lot of spin.
"In saying that things might be completely different, but we will have to make sure that we are prepared for everything," he added.
The Dolphins will be without captain Marques Ackerman who picked up a hamstring injury in their loss on Sunday. In a boost for the squad, Baartman returns for the Dolphins after an injury lay-off.
Hollywoodbets Dolphins v Goldrush Boland Squad:
Andile Simelane, SJ Erwee, Khaya Zondo, Bryce Parsons, Prenelan Subrayen, Eathan Bosch, Jon-Jon Smuts, Tshepang Dithole, Hanu Viljoen, Tristan Luus, Banele Cele, Okuhle Cele, Romashan Pillay, Ottniel Baartman.
