Dolphins on a mission to defend title

THE Dolphins are looking to a new competition, and they are excited to be back in a format which they thoroughly enjoy.

Their defence of the Momentum One-Day Cup starts with a meeting with the high-flying Lions tomorrow, in Maritzburg.

The visitors come off a period of time which has seen them win the Mzansi Super League, and then dramatically snatch the Four Day Franchise Series from the Cobras. They will arrive in Maritzburg laden with Proteas, and there is an expectation for them to really test the Dolphins.

For their part, the Dolphins are bracing themselves for a challenge, and also keen to put a tough fourday assignment behind them.

“It is a tine for fresh beginnings. Obviously the four-day competition didn’t work out the way we wanted, but we start again,” coach Grant Morgan encouraged.

Morgan has the rare opportunity of having all his international players available for the opening match, and that combination of experience and power has him licking his lips at the prospect.

“We are gonna be tested, but we are very excited about this format. We have some exceptional cricketers in our side, and we see this as a chance to win this competition, in a format we enjoy.”

The Dolphins shared the 50-over title with the Warriors last year, but they realise the need to wipe the slate clean and dig deep now.

The likes of Imran Tahir, David Miller, Andile Phehlukwayo, Robbie Frylinck and Dane Vilas are all back, and that sort of fire-power can only be a good thing for a squad still searching for the perfect combination.

Morgan’s biggest headache may well be deciding who to leave out tomorrow.