Springbok set to shine for Saltires

Former Saltires player Jon Kent last night backed South African countryman Jean Symes to also become a big-stage player for the Scots.

Symes makes his debut in tomorrow's CB40 showdown with Surrey in at the Citylets Grange in Edinburgh.

Kent is convinced he will make an instant impression – despite playing in alien conditions.

But he warned home supporters not to expect 6hitting fireworks from Symes, who banks on brain rather than brawn for his runs.

Kent said: “Gauteng Lions have used him as a finisher, not in terms of big shots, but more for his ability to find the spaces with clever flicks, which can be just as effective as boundaries.

“He has also been very useful as a spinner in the middle part of the innings.

“Iamsure he will do very well in Scotland.”

Symes, meanwhile, believes the elements could present him with a bigger challenge than the Surrey attack.

He is used to playing in temperatures in the 20s and 30s. However, the forecast for Edinburgh is for a high of only eight degrees.

Symes said: “It hasn't been what I would call cricket weather since I arrived.

“In fact, it has been freezing, freezing and more freezing.”

He added: “I think I will be stocking up on extra warm underwear before taking the field for the Saltires.”

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