The Hollywoodbets Dolphins have produced several Proteas since the franchise came into existence.
Image copyright – Steve Haag Sports
In recent years Keshav Maharaj and Andile Phehlukwayo have become regulars across multiple formats while Imran Tahir is a white-ball icon.
Here we look back at five Dolphins who have cemented their place as South African cricket legends.
Jonty Rhodes
One of cricket’s first truly global superstars Jonty Rhodes electric fielding set the tone for the Proteas for years to come.
Rhodes broke fielding records from his favoured fielding position of backward point and scored quickly without taking a great deal of risks.
The way he played inspired a generation of young cricketers and he is revered at Kingsmead more than almost any other player.
Shaun Pollock
The former skipper of the Proteas was South Africa’s leading wicket-taker of all-time until Dale Steyn surpassed his mark.
South Africa’s answer to Glenn McGrath Pollock was unerring in his accuracy, and he maintained those high standards over his entire career.
Polly also swatted valuable runs down the order including a few dramatic finishes.
Lance Klusener
South Africa’s ultimate finisher, Klusener was arguably the prototype for modern cricket’s lower middle-order batsman.
He was in tremendous form at the 1999 World Cup, and despite the sour note the tournament ended on, he was clearly the player of that tournament.
Klusener’s had a unique bowling action but consistently took wickets in both Test and ODI cricket.
Hashim Amla
He ended his career at the Cobras and then Surrey but Hashim Amla is one of Durban’s favourite sons.
The holder of the all-time highest international score by a South African batsman, Amla was the rock of the Proteas for so long.
His batting was both languid and stylish and watching him stroke the ball through the covers is a sight many would pay good money to see.
Pat Symcox
Symcox was the last of a breed that has now died out. A professional who embodies the spirit of club cricket, he was a combative cricketer whose finest hour was perhaps his unlikely Test century.
An enduring image of Symcox is one of him in the dressing room, feet up a cigarette in one hand, Castle Lager in the other. Symcox could play though and didn’t know when he was beaten.
He toiled away with his off-spinners for both the Dolphins and the Proteas often on green tops, but with the bat in hand, he was a true entertainer.
Written by: James Richardson
