Head coach Gary Kirsten’s experience with the Hobart Hurricanes in Australia’s Big Bash League and the Delhi Daredevils and Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League will be valuable to the Durban Heat during the 2019 Mzansi Super League.

Kirsten, who will also coach the Welsh Fire in the England and Wales Cricket Board’s The Hundred next year, has succeeded former coach Grant Morgan at the Heat. Morgan has moved to Scotland.

‘Like any coach I want to win, I want to win the tournament and that’s what I’m here for. We’ve put our squad together – the process was a lot of fun and you hope that you’ve now put a team together that will go out there that will win the right amount of games that will get you into the playoffs,’ said Kirsten.

Also see: Hales wants ‘good bond’ with Kirsten

The squad includes England batsman Alex Hales, who was recruited as an international marquee player, and former Proteas wicketkeeper-batsman Dane Vilas, who captained the Jozi Stars to the maiden MSL title last year.

‘You can never predict this game, but we hope the experience that has been added will help us. Well, that’s the thinking at least and if the right guys hit form for us and get us to win big-moment games it will help,’ he added.

‘That’s what it always comes down to – one over that makes a big difference or one great batting effort that can make a difference, so every team’s a good team and that’s why there was a draft. And we’ve assembled a good squad and hopefully it’s the right one that helps deliver success.’

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