Dolphins boast full pod of stars for one-day opener

THE Dolphins are looking to a new competition, and they are excited to be back in a format which they 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 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 are also keen to put a tough fourday assignment behind them.

“It is a time 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 occasion 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 firepower 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, given the riches at his disposal.

“It is a format that suits our players, but we still have to play good cricket,” captain Khaya Zondo said of the change in mindset.

The Dolphins have been welcoming key men back all week, with the squad enjoying their first full practice on Friday.

“We have guys coming back from Proteas, the BPL, and also some guys who were previously playing for other franchises during the MSL. So, we have had a reconnection and the mindset is strong,” Zondo added.

On paper, the Dolphins have a squad perfectly capable of beating anyone in the six-team competition.

They have all the ingredients for a quality side, but Zondo warned that all those parts still have to function as one.

“If everyone executes their roles, things go a lot smoother. We are all picked with specific roles in mind, and then we have to perform.”

If the Dolphins do that over the next few weeks, they have every chance of defending the trophy they got one hand onto last season.