Muthusamy’s all-round play

IN HIS first full season with the Dolphins cricket team Senuran Muthusamy, pictured, has given ample notice of his versatility, and all-round ability as a player.

Whether it’s scoring runs as an opener or if he’s required to put in a back-breaking effort with the ball, 22-yearold Muthusamy has not disappointed.

Muthusamy claimed a total nine wickets from the 58 overs of left-arm orthodox spin he tossed up in the 4-day Sunfoil Series match against the Cape Cobras, which ended on Sunday.

The match was played at Sahara Stadium Kingsmead and ended in a draw.

The visitors made 381 all out and 291/7 in their two innings, while the Dolphins reached a total of329/8 in their one innings.

While Muthusamy’s personal contributions did include a duck with the bat, he certainly was able to prove his versatility by landing a careerfirst five wicket haul (5/67 from 12 overs) in the Cobras’ first innings.

He almost eclipsed those figures in the Cobras’ next innings. Muthusamy bagged 4/116 from 46 overs of toil.

“It has been a tiring weekend, especially in the Durban heat.

“I was required to bowl 46 overs in the second innings, It was taxing, but I saw it as a good opportunity to improve my bowling skills in a match situation,” Muthusamy said.

Landing his first “five-for” was a “great feeling” for him and he hoped his bowling would continue to flourish as it has this season.

Muthusamy said much of his improvement with the ball is owed to the time he spent with English side Brockhampton in the offseason break.

“As their main spin bowler I had bowled plenty and that helped,” Muthusamy revealed.

For all his achievements with the ball, Muthusamy said he still regards himself as a batting all-rounder, and wished he had achieved more than the two fifties and his maiden century in the Sunfoil Series.

“I am capable of more runs. I will attempt to build on what I’ve achieved thus far,” he promised.

However, as the true team man he is, Muthusamy said he was disappointed that his team did not win the 4-day competition, all the more so because they had been in contention until the penultimate game.

The Dolphins finished fourth on the six team standings but led proceedings with three games to go.

“The weather did not do us any favours in the first round, bad light and rain seemed to follow us in some games.

“And we were set for victory in the match against the Warriors in the second round, but the weather was again the deciding factor.

“It’s all part of cricket,” Muthusamy reasoned.

At the same time he also accepted that he and his teammates could have performed better in other games, especially when they lost by two wickets against the Titans, in their previous outing.

The Dolphins will be required to shelve their disappointments and make amends in their next fixture, which is a Momentum One Day Cup match against the Titans in Pretoria, on Friday.

Muthusamy said he will be hoping to get selected for that encounter.

“The squad has not been announced as yet. I’m hoping to be part of it.

“I’m grateful for all the opportunities I have received thus far.

“I will also plan to do my best in the one day campaign.”