DURHAM: Stand-in captain Keshav Maharaj says the Proteas will be aiming to improve on their recent One-Day International (ODI) form when they take on England in their series-opener at the Riverside in Durham on Tuesday.
South Africa face the world champions in three 50-over matches as they get the business end of their two-month long tour to the United Kingdom under way.
The tourists mixed an impressive 3-0 series win over India over the past 12 months with defeats to Sri Lanka and Bangladesh either side, but they have also introduced several new players to their squad in that period as they build towards the World Cup in India next year.
“We haven’t done relatively well in the ODI format, but we’ve tried various formats and combinations, so hopefully we’ve found that rhythm to our game now when we can start off on a positive note come this England series,” Maharaj told the media on Monday.
“Obviously England have come off quite a bit of cricket and they’re pretty much a more settled team. But having put in the hard work over the past 12 months, I think it’s about time we see some good results come this series and moving forward.”
South Africa last played an ODI in March when they faced Bangladesh in Centurion. Maharaj, who is leading the Proteas in the absence of injured captain Temba Bavuma, says they are looking ahead to ODI cricket again.
“The boys are really excited, it’s been a while since we’ve played our last ODI game and it’s been a substantial and lengthy build-up to the game, so the boys are ready to get onto the park, so come tomorrow and hit the ball running,” he said.
“Results haven’t really gone our way, but it’s a nice way to build that confidence and filter in towards ODI cricket up until the World Cup next year.”
South Africa enjoyed two productive warm-up games against England Lions ahead of the series, while the home side were beaten by India in their three-match ODI sequence against India.
The Proteas have also not historically done very well in limited-overs cricket in England and Maharaj is hopeful of changing that.
“It does present an opportunity to do something special,” he explained. “We’ve come a long way as a team and as a unit. So it is an opportunity to create history, but we’ll take it one ball at a time and hopefully achieve something really big as the ODI unit.”
Looking ahead to the clash against an England side that has become famous for its attacking brand of batting, the skipper added: “It’s all about doing the basics correctly and following our own game plan.
“We just need to make sure we execute our plans right, adapt to conditions on the day and hopefully the rest will take care of itself. It’s one thing we have been good at and hopefully we can replicate much of that in this series and going forward.”
Quinton de Kock, who missed the warm-up matches as an injury precaution, is fit and available for the game.
Proteas ODI squad against England
Keshav Maharaj (captain, Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Quinton de Kock (Momentum Multiply Titans), Reeza Hendricks (Imperial Lions), Marco Jansen (Gbets Warriors), Heinrich Klaasen (Momentum Multiply Titans), Janneman Malan (GbetsRocks), Aiden Markram (Momentum Multiply Titans), David Miller (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Lungi Ngidi (Momentum Multiply Titans), Andile Phehlukwayo (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Dwaine Pretorius (North West Dragons), Anrich Nortje (Gbets Warriors), Tabraiz Shamsi (Momentum Multiply Titans), Rassie van der Dussen (Imperial Lions), Lizaad Williams (Momentum Multiply Titans), Khaya Zondo (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Kyle Verreynne (Six Gun Grill Western Province).
South Africa ODI Tour to England Itinerary
Warm-up matches
Tuesday, 12 July
England Lions beat South Africa by 6 wickets – Coopers Associates County Ground, Taunton
Thursday, 14 July
England Lions lost to South Africa by 107 runs – New Road, Worcester
ODIs
Tuesday, 19 July
England vs South Africa – The Riverside, Durham
Friday, 22 July
England vs South Africa – Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester
Sunday, 24 July
England vs South Africa – Headingley Stadium, Leeds
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]
Third place at FCP EURO NORTHEAST GRAND PRIX July 15-16 #14 GTDPRO J. Hawksworth / B. Barnicoat /Team VasserSullivan Lexus RC F GT3
[Submitted by Daniel Ferrari]
Second place at the FCP EURO NORTHEAST GRAND PRIX July 15-16 2022, Ross Gunn and Alex Riberas (No. 23 The Heart of Racing Aston Martin Vantage GT3),
[Submitted by Daniel Ferrari]
Matt Campbell wins FCP Euro Northeast Grand Prix in Lime Rock Park, CONN.
Mathieu Jaminet and Matt Campbell topped off a dominant weekend with a victory Saturday at Lime Rock Park.
[Submitted by Daniel Ferrari]
Plastic waste from the Springboks’ match against Wales at the DHL Stadium on Saturday is going to be recycled into houses in a pilot project to support the global drive to tackle environmental issues and contribute to a healthier and more sustainable society.
Supporters attending the Castle Lager Incoming Series match are being asked to deposit all plastic waste in the green plastic waste bags that will be dotted throughout the stadium. They will be signposted as “The Bag That Builds”.
Uniquely, even “non-recyclable” plastics, like chip packets and polystyrene cups, can be disposed of in the bags, unlike other recycling projects where such plastics still end up in landfill.
The plastic waste will be taken to a special plant where it will be converted into an “eco-aggregate”, called RESIN8. The manufactured RESIN8 is then incorporated into the mix design for the casting of conventional concrete blocks – disposing of 100% of the plastic waste and reducing the need for conventional quarried materials by up to 20 percent.
“Everyone has a responsibility to look after the natural environment for future generations and rugby is not blind to its responsibility,” said Jurie Roux, SA Rugby CEO.
“This is an exciting project that we are trialing to reduce our impact on the environment – the fact that the outcome helps build houses is a double win in our South African environment.
“Please look out for the green collection bags if you are attending the match, every item that is deposited is potentially one less piece of plastic that will end up in landfill or even in our oceans.”
SA Rugby is partnering with The Center for Regenerative Design and Collaboration (CRDC) in the project. They have developed the eco-aggregate, RESIN8, which is made from all types of mixed and “dirty” plastic waste that can be used in a multitude of concrete applications.
The bricks created from RESIN8 are earmarked for use as part of the National Department of Housing’s plan for the development of sustainable human settlements, called Breaking New Ground Homes.
Such housing requires 6 100 bricks per unit; a Springbok test match is forecast to produce 3 tonnes of plastic waste, which can be incorporated into manufacturing 17 000 bricks (or almost three houses).
“The Bag That Builds” have also been placed at the team hotels to collect all plastic waste while the team is in residence.
“Once we have assessed the impact of the pilot project, we will look to incorporate it into more of our events,” said Roux.
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]
JOHANNESBURG: Cricket South Africa (CSA) have today named the 16-player squad that will take on England in a three-match T20 International (T20I) series between 21 – 25 July.
The same group of players, with the exception of the uncapped Delmi Tucker, will feature for Team South Africa at the inaugural Women’s T20 competition at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham from 29 July – 07 August.
Momentum Proteas’ T20I Series vs England 16-player Squad:
Suné Luus (Captain) (Titans Ladies), Chloé Tryon (Vice-Captain) (Hollywoodbets KZN Coastal), Anneke Bosch (Senwes Dragons), Trisha Chetty (Hollywoodbets KZN Coastal), Nadine de Klerk (Six Gun Grill Western Province), Mignon du Preez (Titans Ladies), Lara Goodall (Six Gun Grill Western Province), Shabnim Ismail (Hollywoodbets KZN Coastal), Sinalo Jafta (Six Gun Grill Western Province), Marizanne Kapp (Eastern Province), Ayabonga Khaka (Imperial Lions), Masabata Klaas (Senwes Dragons), Nonkululeko Mlaba (Hollywoodbets KZN Coastal), Tumi Sekhukhune (Imperial Lions), Delmi Tucker (Six Gun Grill Western Province), Laura Wolvaardt (Six Gun Grill Western Province)
The well-balanced playing party will see the return of the experienced batter Mignon du Preez for the first time since her involvement in this year’s ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in New Zealand. Du Preez makes her initial come back to the team following her retirement from the ODI and Test format.
The squad will continue to be led by all-rounder, Suné Luus in the absence of the team captain, Dané van Niekerk, who was unsuccessful in her bid to recover in time for the England T20Is and the Birmingham Games from an ankle fracture sustained earlier this year.
Ahead of the Commonwealth venture, where the side looks to repeat the gold medal feat achieved by the Men in Malaysia 1998, the Proteas Women will have the ideal preparation for the T20 tournament when they take on England in similar conditions they will encounter in Birmingham.
CSA Momentum Proteas Convenor of Selectors, Clinton du Preez said:
“With key players not available, we remain very excited to compete in the Commonwealth Games. Having Mignon du Preez adds experience to the squad and allows for some strategic changes in the batting line-up.
“It once again allows the opportunity for players to showcase their skills, as post the Games we prepare for the home T20 World Cup, and the team has the capabilities to finish within the medals,” the Convenor continued.
“We could not have asked for a better opportunity to prepare for these Games, with the tour of Ireland and also against England. It has allowed for much rotation and opportunities to players.
“We would like to take that momentum into the Games and have the players in a positive space as we compete,” he added.
CSA Director of Cricket (DoC), Enoch Nkwe, commented:
“Huge congratulations are in order for the 15 players selected to be a part of history in growing women’s cricket in South Africa and around the world as they embark on the first ever Women’s T20 Cricket tournament at next month’s Commonwealth Games,” said the DoC.
“The continuity in the group of players chosen not only displays the faith shown in the individual cricketers but is also indicative of the outstanding work invested by the coaching staff along with the selection panel in their planning for this momentous event on the cricketing calendar.
“I have no doubt that the Proteas team, under the tutelage of coach Hilton Moreeng and captain, Suné Luus, will leave it all out on the field in an effort to make the entire South African population beam with pride while following their progression at the Games,” he added.
Audio of Momentum Proteas Convenor of Selectors, Clinton du Preez can be located here
T20I Series vs England –
Thursday, 21 July @ 19h00 local time – 1st T20 – England vs South Africa (The Cloudfm County Ground, Chelmsford)
Saturday, 23 July @ 14h30 local time – 2nd T20 – England vs South Africa (Blackfinch New Road, Worcester)
Monday, 25 July @ 18h30 local time – 3rd T20 – England vs South Africa (The Incora County Ground, Derby)
South Africa’s 2022 Commonwealth Games T20 Cricket Fixtures –
Saturday, 30 July @ 11h00 local time – New Zealand vs South Africa
Tuesday, 02 August @ 11h00 local time – England vs South Africa
Thursday, 04 August @ 11h00 local time – South Africa vs Ireland
Saturday, 06 August @ 11h00 local time – Semi-final 1
Saturday, 06 August @ 18h00 local time – Semi-final 2
Sunday, 07 August @ 10h00 local time – Bronze Medal
Sunday, 07 August @ 17h00 local time – Gold Medal
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]
The 29-year-old talented pivot has penned down a contract extension with the Tshwane-based side which will see him remain at Loftus Versfeld until 2026.
The former Toyota Cheetahs, Racing 92 and Montpellier No10 joined the Vodacom Bulls in 2021, making an immediate impact in the side, culminating in a recall to the Springboks camp.
“We are very pleased to confirm that Johan Goosen will remain with the Vodacom Bulls until 2026. He is a very important part of our plans going forward, so to have him commit to the side for the next four years is significant for us,” said Vodacom Bulls director of rugby, Jake White.
“Not only is Johan critical for the Vodacom Bulls, but for South African rugby in general. There is plenty that he offers on and off the field where he provides leadership and is a great mentor for the youngsters around him. We have no doubt that he will continue to make a huge impact at the Vodacom Bulls over the coming years.”
Goosen’s contract extension comes on the back of renewals for Morne Steyn (2023), Cornal Hendricks (2024), Jan-Hendrik Wessels (2024), Ruan Nortje (2025), Keagan Johannes (2026), Mornay Smith (2026) and Elrigh Louw (2027).
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]
JOHANNESBURG – Cricket South Africa (CSA) confirms that the Proteas Men’s team will not be playing the ODI series in January 2023 against Australia.
The three ODIs which form part of the ICC Super League matches that determine direct qualification for the 2023 Men’s World Cup, were billed to take place in 2020. However, the Covid-19 pandemic necessitated its postponement.
In a statement released on Wednesday, 13 July 2022, Cricket Australia said, “Cricket South Africa (CSA) had asked Cricket Australia (CA) to reconsider the dates of the three matches originally set aside for January 12-17 due to a clash with their new franchise T20 league, but CA announced today they have been unable to find alternative dates to reschedule the series.
CSA Chief Executive Officer, Pholetsi Moseki said:
“CSA is always keen on honouring its bilateral commitments. While CSA is committed to honouring its fixtures in respect of the Future Tours Programme there will sometimes be unforeseen circumstances that would negate this resolve. In the case of the Australia tour, CSA reached out to its counterpart months ago to reschedule the tour to mutually aggregable dates. CSA offered four options to that effect. Unfortunately, and to our disappointment, none of these were acceptable to Cricket Australia.
“CSA has agreed that ICC award Australia the competition points. While we are saddened at losing the crucial points, we are confident that our in-form Proteas team will garner the requisite points through the remaining games to secure automatic qualification to the showpiece event in India next year.
“As difficult as this decision has been for CSA, the long-term sustainability of our new T20 League is reliant on having all our domestic players available for this exciting new addition to the CSA calendar.
“CSA is looking forward to be hosted by Cricket Australia for an enticing blend of cricket in the three-Test series which includes the Boxing Day and New Year's Tests in Melbourne and Sydney,” concluded Moseki
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]
Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber made 11 changes to his starting lineup for the team’s Castle Lager Incoming Series decider against Wales in Cape Town on Saturday as Eben Etzebeth earns his 100th Test cap and Bongi Mbonambi his 50th.
Etzebeth, who made his Springbok debut in June 2012 against England, will become the seventh player to reach the significant career milestone, following in the footsteps of Victor Matfield, Bryan Habana, Tendai Mtawarira, John Smit, Jean de Villiers and Percy Montgomery.
Nienaber named a new-look backline featuring the versatile Damian Willemse at fullback, with Cheslin Kolbe and Makazole Mapimpi back on the wings, while the regular centre pairing of Damian de Allende and Lukhanyo Am will again partner up in the midfield.
The Bok coach retained the halfback pairing of Handre Pollard and Jaden Hendrikse in the backline, while regular Bok captain Siya Kolisi reclaims the captaincy in loose trio with Pieter-Steph du Toit (flanker) and Jasper Wiese (No 8).
The other changes up front see Lood de Jager pair up with Etzebeth in the second row, while Nienaber named a new front row of props Trevor Nyakane and Frans Malherbe on either side of Mbonambi, who made his debut off the bench against Ireland in June 2016 and will become the 45th Bok to reach half a century of Test caps.
There were an array of changes among the replacements, which again features a split of six forwards and two backs, with Steven Kitshoff (prop), Franco Mostert, Kwagga Smith (utility forwards), and Elrigh Louw (flanker) featuring alongside scrumhalf Faf de Klerk and fullback Willie le Roux.
While Nienaber was proud of the remarkable career milestones for Etzebeth and Mbonambi, he said the match was significant for the entire team with a Castle Lager Incoming Series victory at stake.
“We are very proud of Eben and Bongi for their achievements, although it would be remiss of us as a team for that to out-shadow the fact that we need to win on Saturday to seal the series against Wales,” said Nienaber.
“Wales have shown over the years and in the last two matches that they are real fighters, and it will require a top-class performance from us on Saturday to register a victory and ultimately clinch the series.
“That said, Eben and Bongi have been true stalwarts to Springbok rugby, and we hope that we can make this a special occasion for them. No-one wants to remember losing their 100th or 50th Test, so we need to do everything we can to win the match.”
Of his team selection Nienaber said: “We selected a team and player combinations that we think will be the best for this specific game.
“We had an honest discussion with the players telling them what we require from them this weekend and what we would like to see in terms of their performance and hopefully they can produce the goods and we can get the desired result.
“We have high standards as a team, and we would like to maintain that and build momentum with a challenging season lying ahead.”
Nienaber expected another brave effort from Wales and said: “We pointed out from the outset of the series that Wales will be desperate and they showed that in the last two weeks.
“We are expecting another hard grind against them and the fact that they will be playing for their first series victory ever in South Africa will make them even more desperate to push us to the limit this weekend, so we know it will be an epic battle.
“That said, we are also playing in what is essentially a final for us and we know that we need to pitch up on the day and deliver a quality 80-minute performance to emerge victorious.”
Springbok team to face Wales in Cape Town:
15 – Damian Willemse (DHL Stormers) – 17 caps, 12 pts (1t, 2c, 1p)
14 – Cheslin Kolbe (Toulon) – 19 caps 18pts, 50pts (10t)
13 – Lukhanyo Am (Cell C Sharks) – 27 caps, 25 pts (5t)
12 – Damian de Allende (Wild Knights) – 59 caps, 35 pts (7t)
11 – Makazole Mapimpi (Cell C Sharks) – 26 caps, 100 pts (20t)
10 – Handre Pollard (Leicester Tigers) – 61 caps, 613 pts (6t, 83c, 131p, 4d)
9 – Jaden Hendrikse (Cell C Sharks) – 3 caps, 5 pts (1t)
8 – Jasper Wiese (Leicester Tigers) – 12 caps, 0 pts
7 – Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz) – 59 caps, 25 pts (5t)
6 – Siya Kolisi (captain, Cell C Sharks) – 64 caps, 30 pts (6t)
5 – Lood de Jager (Wild Knights) – 57 caps, 25 pts (5t)
4 – Eben Etzebeth (Cell C Sharks) – 99 caps, 15 pts (3t)
3 – Frans Malherbe (DHL Stormers) – 47 caps, 5pts (1t)
2 – Bongi Mbonambi (Cell C Sharks) – 49 caps, 50 pts (10t)
1 – Trevor Nyakane (Racing 92) – 55 caps, 5pts (1t)
Replacements:
16 – Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears) – 48 caps, 55 pts (11t)
17 – Steven Kitshoff (DHL Stormers) – 60 caps, 5pts (1t)
18 – Vincent Koch (Wasps) 33 caps, 0 pts
19 – Franco Mostert (Honda Heat) – 52 caps, 5pts (1t)
20 – Kwagga Smith (Shizuoka Blue Revs) – 20 caps, 5 pts (1t)
21 – Elrigh Louw (Vodacom Bulls) – 1 cap, 0pts
22 – Faf de Klerk (Canon Eagles) – 37caps, 25pts (5t)
23 – Willie le Roux (Toyota Verblitz) – 73 caps, 60 pts (12t)
Springbok record against Wales:
Played 39, Won 31, Lost 7, Drawn 1, Points for 990, Points against 627, Tries scored 115, Tries conceded 52, Highest score 96, Biggest win 83 Points, Win % 79.
Milestones:
• Saturday’s Test against Wales will mark only the second between the two sides in Cape Town.
• The Springboks need to score 11 points to reach 1000 points against Wales.
• Eben Etzebeth will play in his 100th Test match for South Africa and Bongi Mbonambi his 50th.
• Handre Pollard is the current record holder for most penalty goals against Wales (19), in just seven appearances. Percy Montgomery scored a second best of 10 penalty goals in his nine appearances against Wales.
• Pollard is one of only three Springboks to pull off a drop goal in a Test match against Wales. He kicked a drop goal at Twickenham in London in 2015 (in the RWC quarter-final), while the other players were Hansie Brewis in 1951 in Cardiff, and Lionel Wilson in 1964 in Durban.
Miscellaneous:
• The total Test caps for the Springbok starting line-up is 654.
• There are 212 caps in the backline with 442 caps amongst the forwards. On the bench there are a further 99 Caps.
• The average caps per player in the backline are 30, the forwards 55, while the players on the bench average 40.
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]
Glenrose Xaba and Kesa Molotsane are the latest top names in the women’s field to confirm their entry into the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K on Sunday 10 July. These athletes join an already impressive list of runners that include Ethiopia’s Genzebe Dibaba and Mahlet Alemu Mulugeta, Kenya’s Jesca Chelangat and South Africa’s Gerda Steyn.
Seen here: Glenrose Xaba and Kesa Molotsane in action at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K in May this year.
Photo Credit: Action Photo
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]
