Hollywoodbets Dolphins back home to face the Lions
Following a brief hiatus from the CSA 4-Day Domestic Series,
the Hollywoodbets Dolphins are back in action this week against the DP World
Lions at Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium starting on Thursday.
It's been a solid start to the 4-Day competition for the Dolphins with two draws and a win to their name. However, this week provides them with a chance to move up the log against what's shaping up to be a strong Lions squad.
The Dolphins will be without their Proteas Keshav Maharaj, Ottniel Baartman and Andile Phehlukwayo who are involved in the current limited overs series against India along with the white ball specialist David Miller.
Even without these players, coach Imraan Khan has selected a settled squad with majority of the players selected having played a part already in the 4-Day Series so far this season.
For Khan, making sure that they have consistency in selection is crucial coming off a break.
"We're glad that we've got a good, strong core of players to select from every week and we've worked hard to build this base," Khan said.
"There are a number of players who have been in good form for the Dolphins this season and it's always encouraging when we can pick a similar eleven every match.
"We will make tweaks where necessary given the conditions that we are expecting here at Kingsmead, but we are confident that we have a strong extended squad to get us a positive result."
Despite this consistency in selection the Dolphins are also without Bryce Parsons, Eathan Bosch and Odirile Modimokoane who are all involved in the ongoing 4-day match between SA A and India A in Potchefstroom.
The Dolphins have played one match at home so far this season and they claimed a comfortable innings victory over the newly promoted AET Tuskers. Kingsmead has become a fortress for the Dolphins in red ball cricket and for the coach, it's important that they take advantage of their home matches.
"We enjoy playing in our own conditions and I think we've created a pretty sound blueprint surrounding our own conditions and how we go about playing here.
"Having the comforts of home and understanding the conditions means we feel very comfortable playing here," he added.
Daryn Dupavillon returns to the squad for the first time this competition after recovering from injury.
Hollywoodbets Dolphins v DP World Lions Squad:
SJ Erwee, Brad Porteous, Marques Ackerman, Khaya Zondo, Grant Roelofsen, Tshepang Dithole, Daryn Dupavillon, Prenelan Subrayen, Okuhle Cele, Slade van Staden, Andile Simelane, Jason Smith, Jon-Jon Smuts.
