Coach Khan chuffed with pace attack

Fast-bowling is obviously a crucial factor when it comes to success in four-day cricket and the Dolphins will be bringing two of the better young quicks in the country to Centurion on Monday when the Four-Day Franchise Series gets underway with their match against the Titans.

The Dolphins have drawn 13 of their last 20 four-day fixtures as they finished fifth in both 2017/18 and last season, although Eathan Bosch, who turned 21 in April, took 31 wickets in nine matches at 23.35 to lead the attack. But next week, for the first time, he will have another young tearaway beside him in 25-year-old Daryn Dupavillon, who has had wretched luck with injuries since making his franchise debut in 2013/14.

“From the batting point of view we still have a lot of experience, although our bowling is a bit inexperienced, but in Eathan and Daryn we have two guys with the ability to bowl quickly, which is what we have missed. Having Daryn back is massive because extra pace is what we have lacked for the last couple of years. Although our attack in general is quite young, they have huge promise,” new coach Imraan Khan said yesterday.

With the 34-year-old Vaughn van Jaarsveld continuing to churn out runs – he has scored more than 1 500, with five centuries and 10 fifties, in the last two seasons – the Dolphins will be hoping for more consistent support from experienced batsmen Khaya Zondo and Cody Chetty, while Khan is hoping Marques Ackerman and Sibonelo Makhanya keep improving.

“Marques and Sibs got fifties against the Highveld Lions last week, so that was good preparation and I have confidence in their abilities. Marques burst on the scene last season, he did exceptionally well at the back end of the four-day campaign and against touring sides for the SA Invitation sides. I’m looking forward to him having a great season because he’s a massive talent,” Khan said.