Van Jaarsveld's return for Dolphins
The Hollywoodbets Dolphins head into the second half of the RAM SLAM T20 Challenge on the back of the news that star batsman Vaughn van Jaarsveld has overcome a back issue and will be in the squad for their home game against the WSB Cape Cobras at Sahara Stadium Kingsmead on Friday.
Having the left-hander back in the ranks is a welcome boost for the Dolphins
who have only managed to finish two of their five games in the campaign thus
far. An opening round win against this Friday's opposition and a narrow loss to
the bizhub Highveld Lions in their third match sees the men from Durban on ten
points tied with the Knights and Lions.
"This is definitely the most exciting squad of players that I have coached
in my career," Morgan enthused.
"It is an absolute privilage that the team that I am involved in can take
on the best players in the country. This is surely what you play cricket for.
"We might never have all of these international players in the pot
together again and I believe that the team we have here is one of the most
exciting.
"The boys are really excited to entertain and there are no excuses not to
deliver."
Having beaten the Cobras in their first match of the campaign at SuperSport
Park Centurion, the side from Cape Town have come back strongly and currently
sit in second place on the log following three wins in a row.
The Dolphins will call on the experience of former Cobra Dane Vilas when they
meet at 6pm on Friday evening.
"They are obviously a good side with some strong Proteas in their line up
as well as a number of players with a lot of experience," Vilas mentioned.
"We played really well against them last time and batted well and bowled
well up-front so we are pretty confident going into the match this Friday.
"Hopefully I can add a bit of insight into their thinking in the build-up
and on the field."
The Dolphins' first home game drew a crowd of around 6000 people despite the
match being abandonded due to rain and Vilas spoke on behalf of the team when
he showed his appreciation for the impressive turn out.
"All the effort that the marketing team has put in has translated into
numbers in the stadium and it is what we want as cricketers, to play in front
of big crowds.
"Unfortunately the rain got in the way but we could see that the fans were
still having a great time despite the weather.
"Friday should be a great evening and we hope to see the same amount of
people if not more at the ground!" Vilas added.
The Hollywoodbets Dolphins take on the WSB Cape Cobras at Sahara Stadium
Kingsmead on Friday, 1 December. Gates open at 16:00 with tickets available on www.ticketpro.co.za or at the gate.
Port Elizabeth is the venue for the Dolphins' Sunday showdown with the Warriors
at St George's Park.
Sarel Erwee, Morne Van Wyk, Khaya Zondo (c), Sibonelo Makhanya, Andile Phehlukwayo, Rob Frylinck, Keshav Maharaj, Prenelan Subrayen, Athi Maposa, Imran Tahir, Mthokozisi Shezi, Dane Vilas, Vaughn van Jaarsveld.