What we’ve learned from the Ram Slam to date

Despite it being the consolation for Cricket South Africa’s failed T20 Global League adventure, the Ram Slam T20 challenge has moved along breezily and the cricket hasn’t been half-bad at all.

The Proteas have undoubtedly contributed to the overall stature of the tournament but the other domestic regulars have also done their part.

Here’s what we’ve learned from the first four rounds.

The Titans are probably too strong for this tournament

This statement isn’t meant to accuse the Centurion-based franchise of having too many internationals on their books.

After all, most of their Proteas players hardly ever appear for them during a season and some “second-tier” one – one thinks of Dean Elgar and Chris Morris here – are specifically recruited to provide class and experience when the bigger guns aren’t present.

So it’s hardly surprising that the Titans are swatting everyone aside to date.

Not one player who’s appeared for them to date hasn’t play international cricket at some stage.

But you have to wonder whether it doesn’t make the eventual outcome rather boring.

It will take a serious off-day from them to be beaten.

Reeza Hendricks hits form at the perfect time

There’s no doubt that the Highveld Lions rely a lot on their classy opener, especially since bowling depth is far bigger than with the bat.

Regardless of his worth to Geoff Toyana and the rest of his teammates, Hendricks’ showings is really good for the Proteas as well.

The 27-year-old capped off a brilliant first week in the tournament with a splendid, unbeaten 102 against the Dolphins in Potchefstroom.

His 42 set the platform for the win against the Cape Cobras but it was his 67 against the Titans that really caught the eye.

Hendricks seemed on a different planet as the rest of the batters struggled.

With national coach Ottis Gibson stating he wants to spread the net wide for the 2019 World Cup, this stroke-maker is certainly in the reckoning.

Cape Cobras slump a warning to the Proteas

If there’s one thing you can’t complain about when it comes to the Capetonians, it’s that Vernon Philander’s return has been promising.

The stocky seamer has bowled steadily and skilfully.

That said, he’s been in the minority.

As much as you can say the Cobras have underperformed as whole, the really scary development has been the form of Dane Paterson and Wayne Parnell.

Those two men have had a pretty poor time of it lately, with Parnell looking particularly wayward.

Given that they’ve also been recently used by the national team, their showings are a worry.

Will the plucky Warriors become dangerous?

Malibongwe Maketa has become an integral part of the Eastern Cape franchise, impressing all and sundry with his ability as coach to get the best out of limited resources.

Now he’s off to the national side to become Gibson’s assistant.

It’s likely that it will throw the Warriors off their stride at some stage this season but he’s still at the helm for this tournament.

The team has started slowly but they’re known for fast finishes.

Will they be keen enough to send Maketa off with a trophy?

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