Lhuan-dre Pretorius says targeting a Central Gauteng Lions bowler helped him to secure a draw for the Northerns Titans in the 4-Day Series final. KHUNULOGO MPOLOKENG reports.
Pretorius was named the Man of the Match after his rescuing act against the Central Gauteng Lions at the Wanderers on Monday, where he batted for 70 overs, as the Titans were eventually bowled out for 371 in their follow-on second innings.
That set the target at 82 for the hosts, but by that time there wasn’t much natural light left for the umpires to allow for the match to continue.
The 19-year-old left-handed batsman top scored with 114 (off 209 balls; 13 fours), playing in just his fifth first-class match.
“It was tough; my natural game is being on the aggressive side of things, but today I took [a different approach],” said Pretorius. “I guess as a batter you have to be adaptable and that’s what I tried to do.
“I went to bed last night thinking of getting a good night’s rest in and batting the whole day; that’s what I tried to do, and luckily it paid off. Unfortunately, I didn’t bat the whole day; I would have liked to carry my bat but it’s part of the game. I’m glad I could contribute as much [as I did].”
Having started day five at the crease and playing for an extended morning session through to 35 minutes into the post-tea session, Pretorius admitted to needing to find creative ways to retain his concentration.
“It was tough, but because I played with a lot of the Lions guys at the Paarl Royals [in the SA20], Codi [Yusuf] and I had a bit of a go at each other, but it was good for me because you tend to get bored in four-day cricket if you bat for long with the same guy.
“So I tried to pick a fight and it kept me in the game; it was good for me. I won’t say it went overboard but it was good for me. It got heated and it got me into the battle.”
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Pretorius also kept wicket in the match for just under 110 overs of the Lions’ first innings of 413-7 declared over two days. He thereafter came in to bat at No 7 and was the Titans’ sole survivor in their poor reply of 123 all out, scoring 30*.
That was before the five-hour and 22-minute marathon innings in which he batted patiently to score his third first-class century this season.
He admitted afterwards that the experience took a toll on him.
“Just going through the phases was the most difficult thing. After lunch [on the final day] the body was sore; it had been four days on the field already, so it was tough on the body. But I pushed through and I’m grateful for every opportunity I get.
“Four-day, red ball cricket is the pinnacle of cricket, I believe, and it tests your technique, it makes you a better player for the other formats. I obviously love all the formats I play – T20 cricket is one of my favourites – but red-ball cricket is great for your technique, for your mental game, and that’s what cricket is all about – it’s tough but it’s great.”
Photo: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images
