Geoffrey Toyana says the change of the ball this season is responsible for the number of draws in the Sunfoil Series.
The Sunfoil Series experienced stalemates in the first four rounds, adding up to 12 draws. The winning drought was ended in round five, but could only produce one win, with the other two matches also ending in draws to take the tally to 14 for the campaign thus far.
Toyana’s Lions side were the first team to lose in the competition, beaten by nine wickets by log-leaders the Titans in the Jukskei derby at the Wanderers on Wednesday.
According to the Lions coach, the Kookaburra balls used for this campaign are at fault for the lack of wins.
‘There have been plenty of issues, but the main one has been with the ball,’ Toyana told the Sunday Times. ‘We haven’t been using the same balls that we have been using last season. These balls have no seam and when they’re 60-70 overs old, they still have markings and they are tough to shine.
He continued by also criticising the pitches. ‘The pitches have also been an issue as the bat has been very dominant,’ he said. ‘It’s been easy to get out of trouble in those matches after a substandard first innings.’
The next round of Sunfoil matches will begin on 8 February 2018.
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