Thomson given reins as Titans skipper

Easterns all-rounder Grant Thomson has had to practice plenty of patience in his five previous seasons on the fringes of the Titans squad, but the 31-yearold reaped the rewards yesterday when he was named the franchise’s four-day captain for the coming summer.

The Titans, having won the four-day competition twice in the previous three years, finished in bottom place last season, hampered by players coming in and out of the team as coach Mark Boucher used 29 different players, seven of whom only played once and another seven made just two appearances.

Thomson’s appointment is a nod to aiming for more consistent selection and relying more on experienced, proven campaigners from provincial level.

Thomson has played 66 firstclass matches and scored over 3700 runs at an average of 42.63, while he has also taken 116 wickets at 26.97.

But since his franchise debut in 2013/14, only three of those matches have been for the Titans, although he has played 14 50-over and eight T20 games for them.

“I was very surprised because I haven’t played any four-day cricket for Mark. At a franchise like the Titans, who have so many internationals, to find an opportunity is quite tough.

“It is my sixth season with them and I know the culture and I have come through the ranks. Plus I’ve captained Easterns for three seasons now.

“Last season was not our best at the Titans, but we have an exciting squad, with youngsters and experienced guys like Henry Davids and Farhaan Behardien, who I won’t have to worry too much about. It’s about instilling the culture and making sure everyone can fit in easily and perform at their best.

“My personal goal as captain is to look after each and every player and try and unearth new Proteas,” Thomson told The Citizen yesterday.