After a nail-biter in their opening game of the Mzansi Super League, the Durban Heat will welcome the likes of David Miller, Heinrich Klaassen and Brandon Mavuta into the squad for their clash with the Tshwane Spartans at Kingsmead on Wednesday afternoon.
The Heat went down to the Cape Town Blitz in their opening game of the competition, however both coach Grant Morgan and captain Albie Morkel were not disappointed by their showing and know that there is a lot to be positive about.
With the likes of Proteas stars Miller and Klaasen joining the mix and the leg spinner Mavuta coming from Zimbabwe, Morgan has got a number of tough decisions to make when he puts together his strongest eleven for the clash.
Khaya Zondo and Keshav Maharaj performed well for the side in their opening game of the tournament, so the Heat’s brains trust will be more than encouraged by the introduction of their international stars to bolster an already strong squad.
“We are excited to be getting players of that sort of international quality coming into the squad and it can only be good for your team,” coach Grant Morgan said.
“We’ve taken some time in selection and will make sure that we work out all the possible options to get the best team together.
“Everyone is really excited to get out there and play our next game,” a positive Morgan mentioned.
“I’m sure it is the same for all of the teams but we have a very real and positive connection between the players in the squad,” Morgan added.
“I truly commended the guys on how they helped one another and engaged with the fans after the game on Sunday. We have got a bunch of really good cricketers but more importantly, really good human beings.”
The Spartans have won one game and lost one game in their opening two of the competition. With the likes of AB de Villiers in the ranks they have one of the best in the world and captain Morkel knows the star better than most.
“I have played a lot of cricket with him and we have got some plans to but he will carry a lot of pressure on his shoulders,” Morkel said.
“I’m not saying the rest of the team isn’t dangerous and they have some good players but he is probably the stand out.”
Durban Heat Fixtures:
21 Nov 14:00 Durban Heat v Tshwane Spartans Kingsmead, Durban
23 Nov 19:00 Nelson Mandela Giants v Durban Heat St George’s, Port Elizabeth
28 Nov 19:00 Durban Heat v Paarl Rocks Kingsmead, Durban
30 Nov 19:00 Jozi Stars v Durban Heat Bidvest Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg
02 Dec 11:00 Paarl Rocks v Durban Heat Eurolux Boland Park, Paarl
05 Dec 19:00 Durban Heat v Nelson Mandela Giants Kingsmead, Durban
07 Dec 14:00 Durban Heat v Jozi Stars Kingsmead, Durban
09 Dec 15:30 Cape Town Blitz v Durban Heat PPC Newlands, Cape Town
12 Dec 19:00 Tshwane Spartans v Durban Heat SuperSport Park, Centurion
Msanzi Super League Full Fixtures – Click Here
Durban Heat Squad:
Hashim Amla, Rashid Khan, David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen, Kyle Abbott, Keshav Maharaj, Khaya Zondo, Albie Morkel, Marchant de Lange, Vernon Philander, Brandon Mavuta, Temba Bavuma, Morné van Wyk, Okuhle Cele, Sarel Erwee, Tladi Bokako, Prenelan Subrayen.
More information can be found at durbanheat.co.za
