Jonker’s licence to thrill can put mighty Titans to the sword
CHRISTIAAN Jonker’s work day began earlier than expected last Friday, but the Warriors batsman rolled up his sleeves and took to the task manfully.
Jonker’s not called “The Finisher” for nothing. The Border star has built himself the reputation of being the batsman the Warriors can rely on to take them home no matter what the required rate is. Well, within reason of course.
It is a role he relishes but it is also one he normally initiates when he walks in to bat around the 14th, 15th or 16th over.
He is not ashamed to admit that “Cow Corner” is his favourite spot on the boundary rope over which to dump bowlers. And there are few better than him in the country at doing just that.
But last Friday, in the opening game of the Ram Slam T20 Challenge against the Knights, Jonker was forced to take on a different role.
With the Warriors in trouble at 46 for three, Jonker strode to the crease early in the seventh over. This time, because the situation called for it, he had the luxury of assessing conditions before beginning to launch into the crowd. It was a variation to the job he embraced.
“I like pressure situations,” the 31-year-old said yesterday. “Normally, I am normally labelled as a finisher at the end in the last four overs but I was happy to go in early and get into some partnerships. I was happy to get us to a decent score we could try and defend.”
Jonker eventually fell for 61 off 38 balls with four sixes and as many fours. His innings propelled the Warriors to decent total of 153. In the end, that target was not enough as David Miller rode some early luck to take the Knights home in cahoots with Theunis de Bruyn.
But his innings was a clear indication of what Jonker brings to the Warriors team and how they missed him while he was sidelined due to knee surgery for the second half of last season.
“Obviously, I was out for some time due to injury. I think it was about eight months. I had a few practice games for Border preseason and I felt good. I am just happy with the way I started. I was really nervous in my first game back for the Warriors and luckily it came off. Unfortunately, we couldn’t take it over the line,” Jonker added.
Jonker says coach Malibongwe Maketa does not inhibit him and he pretty much has a free rein depending on the situation of course.
“We all got our roles in the team but yeah I’ve got a bit of freedom to play in T20 cricket. Mali knows the way I play and he backs the way I play. If you do the job the best you can Mali’s always happy.”
The Warriors face a daunting challenge against a Protea-laden Titans team in East London tomorrow, provided the weather plays along. A total of 11 of their 13 squad members for last night’s game against the Knights had played for South Africa previously.
“They are very strong team, they got big players. But as a team, we have proven over the last two years that we can get to the finals without many big names,” said Jonker.
“SuperSport Park is a batting pitch, so you have to get big scores there. The way they played against the Lions on Sunday, they took charge and they batted very well. But East London is a different ground, it’s slower and we’ll see how they adapt.”
Warriors squad named for tomorrow’s Ram Slam T20 match against the Titans: Colin Ackermann, Andrew Birch, Gihahn Cloete, Aya Gqamane, Colin Ingram, Christiaan Jonker, Sisanda Magala, Lesiba Ngoepe, Jerry Nqolo, Solo Nqweni, JonJon Smuts (capt), Kelly Smuts, Basheer Walters.