Cricketer ready to bowl his way to the top

INSPIRED by some of South Africa’s cricket legends as a child, Jared Jooste decided to pursue the team sport and has not looked back.

Jooste (21) who lives on The Bluff, is a bowling all-rounder for the Harlequins Cricket Club’s first team.

With the first matches of the season expected to kick off in early September, Jooste is hoping to see his team climb to the top of the premier league.

Also read: ‘Quins cricket teams aim for top spot

Jooste, a professional soccer player, said he started playing cricket at age eight.

“I have always enjoyed sports. However, I was inspired to get involved in cricket after watching legends such as Dale Steyn, Jacques Kallis and AB de Villiers. They made the matches more enjoyable and made me want to pursue the sport.

“I joined the ‘Quins first team after I was approached by one of the players who asked if I would be keen to play in a few matches last year. I enjoyed it so much that I decided to keep playing. I feel the game keeps me stress-free,” he said.

Jooste said some of the qualities a cricketer should possess are discipline, having respect for the game and being fit. “Fitness is key as you need to be able to stand on the field for 40 overs if it is a T20 match and 100 overs if it is a 50-over game.

“Training is also quite important, especially leading up to a match. We have a warm-up session, then head straight into a net session for a solid two hours. Afterwards, we run a lap around Kingsmead Stadium,” he said.

Jooste, whose favourite team is the Proteas, said he was inspired by South African cricketer and bowling all-rounder, Chris Morris.

“I feel that I have the same qualities as him, which is to always strive to be better. I am very excited for the upcoming season and hope to be the best I can be for my team, as well as walk away as the winners of the premier league,” he said.

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