In the news today Dane Vilas backs the Cobras middle-order, AB de Villiers is inspiring players all over the world and Sachin Tendulkar’s son is set to tour South Africa.
AB an example all over the world
South African ODI captain AB de Villiers’ positive influence on world cricket is as far-reaching as Indian domestic competition.
Talented batsman Lokesh Rahul played for the Royal Challengers Bangalore alongside de Villiers in the Indian Premier League and is currently enjoying a fine stretch of form for South Zone at first-class level – and is eager to eventually mirror the success of the Proteas star.
‘I really enjoy watching AB bat. I was fortunate enough to interact with him when I played for Bangalore. I learnt from AB as to how he prepares for a game. I get amazed by the kind of strokes he hits and the time he has got to play those shots,’ Rahul told PTI.
Sachin Tendulkar’s son to tour South Africa
Arjun Tendulkar is set to leave for South Africa for a 15-day tour with Worli Cricket Club from November 2 to 15. Arjun will captain the 16 to 18 age group team.
Tendulkar junior seems to be following his legendary father’s footsteps. Sachin went on tours to England in 1988 and 1989 with Star Cricket Club which proved fruitful before being picked for India at a tender age of 16.
The tour is organised by Avinash Kadam, owner of Worli CC. He informed mid-day: ‘Arjun did exceptionally well when we toured SA last year. He was the highest run-scorer. Like his father, Arjun is a keen learner and has been part of our club for the last two years.’
Kadam said Worli CC are scheduled to play 10 limited-overs matches against some top schools in Johannesburg, Pretoria and Potchefstroom. He went on to explain why tours of this nature are so beneficial.
‘Such trips are very important because most of our cricketers only play in Mumbai. They have no avenues to play in different conditions. A trip like this provides good exposure to these youngsters.
‘It gives them a sense of playing on faster wickets,’ concluded Kadam.
Vilas backs middle-order
Dane Vilas, the wicketkeeper and middle-order batsmen, spoke to the Cape Cobras website on Thursday during training about the ability of the middle-order to captialise on good starts.
Asked about criticism that the middle-order did not always build on the powerful early surges in the One Day Cup by the openers, Andrew Puttick and Richard Levi, Vilas said the squad boasts good experience between numbers five and seven.
He said collectively, he, Justin Ontong and West Indian recruit Kieron Pollard have played many games in domestic T20-cricket. There is so much quality and depth in the Cobras batting line-up that if the top-order lay a solid foundation, the order can be changed and guys like Ontong and Pollard can be sent in to take full toll.
