Aiden Markram stars again as Proteas try to impress
With new coach Ottis Gibson insisting that all national players play in this week's domestic 4-day competition, most of them show form.
Theunis de Bruyn, who played in England for the Proteas, did his cause in Ottis Gibson’s eyes no harm with a fine 81 for the Knights. Photo: Frikkie Kapp/Gallo Images.
New Proteas coach Ottis Gibson requested that all the Proteas play in the first round of the domestic four-day competition that started on Tuesday.
With the first Test against Bangladesh in Potchefstroom only a week away, he wants his troops got gain some match fitness.
Here’s how they performed after the first day of the respective fixtures.
TITANS
Aiden Markram celebrated being named the franchise’s four-day captain with a fluent 119 off just 177 balls against a wayward Dolphins attack.
The gifted young opener is surely in line for a Test debut next week.
Faf du Plessis fell just short of a century himself, stroking 12 boundaries and a six in a brilliant 96.
And to cap off a fine day for the national team players, Quinton de Kock made a 99-ball 54 as the Titans reached 373/6.
DOLPHINS
It was a depressing bowling day for the Durbanites.
Left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj conceded 104 runs in his 26 overs, while all-rounder Andile Phehlukwayo only bowled 10 overs for figures of 0/42.
KNIGHTS
The defending champions showed their worth at home against the Cape Cobras, with two of their Proteas playing starring roles.
While he wasn’t always accurate, quick Duanne Olivier still showed that he’s a lethal, wicket-taking option.
He ended with 3/58 from his 14 overs as the Cobras collapsed to 159 all out.
Theunis de Bruyn then hammered home the Knights’ advantage with an attacking, unbeaten 81 off only 106 balls.
They’ll resume on 180/1.
COBRAS
Ashwell Prince’s team looked weak on paper and duly proved to be brittle.
But at least their two Proteas batsmen got some runs.
Hashim Amla was surprisingly attacking, smashing two sixes and six fours in his 56 off 70 balls.
His dismissal though saw the Cobras crumble from 116/2 to their lowly 159.
Temba Bavuma made 25 before his innings was cut short.
HIGHVELD LIONS
Kagiso Rabada bowled economically – he only conceded 39 runs from 20 overs – but without much luck as the Warriors, who have no national players within their ranks, made hay on a good batting pitch.
19-year-old Wiaan Mulder, a future Proteas all-rounder, took 4/32 to make matters even again but the national selectors will hope Rabada can take advantage of his young colleagues late strikes.
The Warriors will resume on 269/4.
Stephen Cook will open the batting for the Lions.
