Johannesburg - The two teams with the most to gain from the return of South Africa’s triumphant one-day players will go head-to-head when the Titans host the Dolphins in the RAM SLAM T20 Challenge at SuperSport Park on Sunday afternoon.
While an in-form Quinton de Kock and Chris Morris will both make their first appearances since moving from the Lions for the Titans, who will also welcome back Farhaan Behardien, the Dolphins will benefit from the return of David Miller, Kyle Abbott and Khaya Zondo.
After losing their last two games in the 50-over format, the feeling of renewal has come at a good time for the Dolphins, and it was boosted further with the news that Morne van Wyk will return from injury to lead the side, and the arrival of Kevin Pietersen.
The former England star will play the first of his five games for the Dolphins in Sunday’s televised clash, while the Dolphins confirmed that Dwayne Bravo will join them for the second half of the campaign.
Asked what discussions had taken place as the Dolphins look to turn their form around, Lance Klusener said: “It’s a different team with a lot of changes, so the chat is a little bit different to what the chat would be if it was the same bunch. There’s a lot more experience, more people who can manage their own space, and a lot more maturity, so that’s good for us.”
Adding to the sense of change is the presence of Rabian Engelbrecht, Prenelan Subrayen and Ayavuya Myoli in the 13-man squad, all of whom stand to make their first start for the Dolphins this season.
The Titans will be without all-rounder David Wiese for a couple more weeks, but still have enough resources to have decided that they could afford to loan Theunis de Bruyn to the Knights.
“From my side, you’ve got to take emotions out of the situation and make the best decisions for your players and your team,” Rob Walter said of the decision. “It would have been tough for Theunis to get into the side, specifically at the start of the campaign, and we still have David Wiese coming back from injury.
“I believe he’s a high-quality cricketer and an opportunity opened up for him elsewhere so it would be silly not to give him that chance.”
Dolphins squad: Morne van Wyk (captain), Kyle Abbott, Craig Alexander, Cody Chetty, Cameron Delport, Rabian Engelbrecht, Keshav Maharaj, David Miller, Ayavuya Myoli, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kevin Pietersen, Prenelan Subrayen, Khaya Zondo.
African News Agency