Assistant coach Geoffrey Toyana has welcomed the addition of England batsman James Vince to the Paarl Rocks’ squad for the 2019 edition of the Mzansi Super League.

Vince was purchased for R350,000 in round six of last week’s MSL player draft in Soweto. All-rounder Dwaine Pretorius and batsman JP Duminy were also recruited by the Rocks.

Former Proteas fast bowler Hardus Viljoen, who debuted in the Indian Premier League earlier this year, and Sri Lanka all-rounder Isuru Udana have also joined. Udana was a late replacement for international marquee player David Willey, who was withdrawn by the England and Wales Cricket Board due to workload management.

‘I think all our bases are covered. The bowling department is covered by Hardus and Udana – they give us the firepower that we lacked last year,’ said Toyana.

‘Then having JP and Vince join the likes of Aiden Markram and Faf du Plessis, it means we have a strong lineup all around. There’s good balance and general satisfaction overall.’

Vince was part of England’s squad for the World Cup earlier this year, and has represented the Sydney Sixers and Sydney Thunder in Australia’s Big Bash League.

‘There’s also Vince in the mix, all exciting players and we look forward to another good season this year,’ added Toyana.

‘Vince was one of our first picks, so we were delighted that no one beat us to him. He’s a really dangerous cricketer. He can score both sides of the wicket. Don’t forget he’s a good fielder as well, so he brings all the elements that we want as Paarl Rocks.’

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