Marais is now ready to shine

Explosive Border batting superstar Marco Marais is ready to shine on the big stage as he prepares for the inaugural Mzansi Super League (MSL) which gets underway next week.

Marais enjoyed a blistering Africa Cup T20 competition with Border and is now looking to continue his top form with the Nelson Mandela Bay Giants in what is set to be South Africa's flagship T20 competition going forward.

It was just under a year ago that Marais burst onto the world scene by shattering a 97-year-old world record, when he hit the quickest triple century in first-class cricket history against Eastern Province.

The 25-year-old farmer from Stutterheim was picked in the 10th round of the MSL draft and is now keen to power himself through the tournament one ball at a time, especially after the fiery form he showed during the Africa T20 tournament.

Off the field, Marais spends his time farming with his brother in Stutterheim which he says, “it’s a bit easier to hit a six than clean out a chicken coop.”

He adds that his time on the field is a time which, “helps me clear my mind and I think it keeps me hungry to do well.”

Marais explained that his sublime form during the Africa T20 competition, where he hammered 359 runs in six innings featuring two hundreds and two half centuries, was down to the freedom afforded to him by his coach, Frank Plaatjes.

“Being allowed by my coach to play with freedom really made it easy to just go out and have fun,” admitted Marais.

“I’ve never experienced the band ever, so I’m looking forward to the gees and obviously to play at such a quality stadium.”

He will be playing alongside England International Jason Roy, Proteas spinner

Off the field, Marais spends his time farming with his brother

Imran Tahir, all-rounder Chris Morris and Border/Warriors teammate and fellow power hitter Christiaan Jonker.

Marais says he is looking forward to learning from everyone in the team as well as the coaching during the competition.

“It’s an amazing opportunity. My dad said I need to be a sponge,” added Marais.

The Nelson Mandela Bay Giants play their first game of the competition against the Jozi Stars in Johannesburg next week Saturday and their first home match will be on Friday, November 23 against the Durban Heat at St George’s Park.

Tickets are available at Ticketpro or at St George’s Park. — DDC