Loss didn’t derail Dolphins
DESPITE a blip in their charge for honours in the Momentum One Day Cup when the Dolphins lost to the Cobras on Sunday, coach Grant Morgan believes his charges are still on track to lift the cup.
The Dolphins now hit the road after enjoying a two-game home stint, when they travel to Bloemfontein to play the Knights this afternoon. This will be followed by a trip to the Friendly City to take on the Warriors on Friday.
“There were positives from all aspects of the game on Sunday, but there were also a few little negative things,” said Morgan.
“I think every guy knows they could have contributed a bit more to our batting innings but I am not going to blame anyone.
“It is a collective thing and I think if each player could have found an extra run or two, those 22 runs would have made the difference.”
The Dolphins have the tournament’s most in-form bowler in their ranks with Rob Frylinck leading the statistics with the ball. And, following his century, Morné van Wyk sits in fifth on the batting averages with a number of other Dolphins chasing top 10 positions.
“We back every player in this side to do a good job and on Sunday Khaya (Zondo) and Morné batted until the 45th over and no team is not going to send in Rob Frylinck in a situation like that and also Calvin (Savage) hit the ball out of the ground against the Lions.
“It’s not a case of us not backing Sibz Makhanya, especially after his terrific knock on Friday, to come in at six, but we try to make the right decisions for the right reasons.
“We have tried to create role definitions where certain decisions are made for specific reasons and I think the guys have bought into that,” Morgan added.
As the tournament moves closer to Friday’s halfway mark, Morgan believes that getting into a position of strength earlier rather than catching up places later in the competition is paramount for his men.
“Any time you can set something up earlier rather than later is a bonus. I use the example of a trip from Cape Town to Joburg. If I plan my journey well, I make sure I know where I am going to stop and put petrol in and where I am going to eat.
“So, hopefully, all the puzzle pieces fall into place and by the time you are nearing your destination you hope to be in a position where you can just cruise in and not leave too much to do at the end,” he said.
The squad will remain unchanged for the two coming fixtures with Senuran Muthusamy coming into the side following the departure of Keshav Maharaj to New Zealand with the Proteas Test squad. HOLLYWOODBETS DOLPHINS SQUAD:
Cody Chetty, Rabian Engelbrecht, Sarel Erwee, Rob Frylinck, Sibonelo Makhanya, Senuran Muthusamy, Kyle Nipper, Calvin Savage, Mthokozisi Shezi, Prenelan Subrayen, Vaughn van Jaarsveld, Morné van Wyk, Khaya Zondo (c).