Durban – Following a week of torrential rain in Durban, the Durban Heat players will be hoping that the weather gods smile kindly on them so they can get their Mzansi Super League campaign underway when they meet the Paarl Rocks at Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium on Friday evening.
The Heat’s opening game of the competition was rained off without a ball being bowled so the side will be itching to get into action as soon as possible. Despite the adverse weather coach Gary Kirsten sees the positive in the lack of match time.
“Often when you come into tournaments like this you don’t really have too much time to connect as a unit,” Kirsten said.
“I think we have used our ten or twelve days that we have had together productively and obviously we would love to have had some game time but we can’t fight that we just want to make best use of the time we have.”
The Heat side is sweating slightly on their two young speedsters with Daryn Dupavillon and Marco Jansen both under a slight injury cloud.
“Daryn was bowling at about seventy percent on Tuesday which is a good sign but Marco is also not fully fit at the moment. Those two guys will be important components to our attack in the various conditions that we will play in.
“Unfortunately we don’t have confirmation yet as to their availability for the match against the Paarl Rocks on Friday.
“Obviously it would be great to have a fully fit squad so we can pick the team that we want to,” Kirsten added.
Coming in to the weekend the Heat has two points in the bag, however the players will be keen to get on the park and show the fans what they are capable of with another match on Sunday against the Cape Town Blitz on the cards.
Captain Dane Vilas understands that it’s far from ideal losing games but the competition is a long one and there are more than enough games left in the tournament.
“It’s only the first week really so you can’t get too frustrated and look too far ahead,” Vilas said.
“There is a lot of cricket to be played and we just want to get on the park this Friday and get off to a good start.
“The guys are all equally keen but are also prepared for anything that might crop up.”
The Durban Heat take on the Paarl Rocks in its second match of the Mzansi Super League at Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium starting at 17:30. Gates to the stadium open at 16:30 and tickets can be purchased at the stadium ticket office.
More information can be found at www.durbanheat.co.za.
Should you require any further assistance contact Nick Tatham (083 610 1232) or email [email protected]
Durban Heat Squad:
Andile Phehlukwayo, Alex Hales, David Miller (retained player), Dane Vilas, Ravi Bopara, Keshav Maharaj (retained player), Kyle Abbott (retained player), Khaya Zondo (retained player), Marco Jansen, Daryn Dupavillon, Sarel Erwee (retained player), Malusi Siboto, Prenelan Subrayen, Wihan Lubbe, Shaun von Berg, Wesley Marshall.
DURBAN HEAT FIXTURES
Friday, November 15: 17h30, Durban Heat v Paarl Rocks, Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium
Sunday, November 17: 10h00, Durban Heat v Cape Town Blitz, Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium
Thursday, November 21: 17h30, Tshwane Spartans v Durban Heat, SuperSport Park
Saturday, November 23: 12h30, Nelson Mandela Bay Giants v Durban Heat, St. George’s Park
Thursday, November 28: 17h30, Cape Town Blitz v Durban Heat, Newlands
Saturday, November 30: 12h30, Durban Heat v Nelson Mandela Bay Giants, Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium
Wednesday, December 4: 17h30, Paarl Rocks v Durban Heat, Eurolux Boland Park
Saturday, December 7: 12h30, Jozi Stars v Durban Heat, Imperial Wanderers Stadium
Tuesday, December 10: 17h30, Durban Heat v Jozi Stars, Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium
Friday, December 13: 17h30, Play-off, 2nd v 3rd
(reserve day if required on Saturday, December 14, 12h30)
Monday, December 16: 17h30, Final
(reserve day if required on Tuesday, December 17, 17h30)
