THE HILTON SPORTS NEWS ACKERMAN: FULL-TIME 4-DAY CAPTAINCY

As the Hollywoodbets Dolphins prepare for a return to cricket sooner rather than later, the team has announced that Marques Ackerman will lead the Dolphins in the CSA Domestic 4-Day Series while Keshav Maharaj will captain the side in limited overs cricket.

Ackerman took over the role in an interim capacity at the beginning of 2020 and was one of the masterminds in a turnaround that saw the Dolphins win two 4-Day matches in a row and draw another.

Coach of the Dolphins Imraan Khan is excited to see what the 24-year-old can do with a whole season as the team’s leader. He believes Ackerman’s approach to the game makes him the right man for the job permanently.

“Marques was critical in our turnaround last season, both in the role that he played as a leader and also in the role that he played with the bat,” Khan said.

“He has fantastic energy and drives a very high standard both on and off the field. His influence in the side made the decision an easy one for us.”

Ackerman, who was the Dolphins highest run scorer in the 4-Day competition last season, is relishing taking on a role that has been filled by some of the biggest names of KwaZulu-Natal cricket.

“To be given the captaincy fulltime is an incredible honour and a challenge that I am very excited about.

The Dolphins have had a long history of brilliant captains and to be given the job is hugely rewarding. We have a strong bunch of players and leaders within the squad, which will make my job a lot easier.

“We can’t wait to get back on the field in the next few weeks and are looking forward to starting off where we finished at the end of last season.”

“The Dolphins are in preparation for the season, which will be getting under way in November, and Khan is excited that the team can finally get back on to the field.

“We have a good group of players and I think we have recruited quite nicely but what’s been the most impressive thing for me is the hunger and desire among the group.

“The guys have been driving and pushing each other and maintaining a very high standard in the practice sessions.”

For more info visit www. dolphinscricket.co.za.

After two strong seasons at franchise level and a positive start to his captaincy career with the Hollywoodbets Dolphins, Marques Ackerman has been elected to captain the side on a full-time basis in the CSA Domestic 4-Day Series.