We asked Lubabalo Skhosana to compile his Team of the Week for the 4-Day Series Division 2, but we would also like to know yours.
After we posted the team of the week from Division 1, we saw that a number of people were unhappy that we did not do one for division 2. We, therefore, decided to listen and respond positively even though there were only two matches in Division 2.
Here is our Division 2 Team of the Week.
Not many hundreds were scored in division 2 and not many 5-fors were taken but there were a number of players that stood out.
1. Jerome Bossr – 94+71
The match may have ended in a draw but one thing Jerome did was show why he chose cricket over rugby with his back-to-back 50s for Border.
2. Marco Marais – 146
One of the most lethal batsmen in the country and is known for his hard-hitting. Marco on his return to Border played a well-calculated innings to put his side in a good position. He came in at 5 for them but we have slotted him in at the opening spot.
3. Luke Schlemmer 153
One of only two centurions in Div. 2, Luke set it up nicely for the Tuskers’ lower order to come in and take the game away from the opposition.
4. Andile Mogakane 98 + a wicket
Someone I’ve followed religiously since his under 19 days. All-rounder, Andile sadly fell 2 runs short of what could have been the 3rd ton of division. He also contributed with the ball.
5. Tian Koekemoer – 64
Another one of SA’s quality all-rounders. Tian had a good start to his journey in KZN having moved from Eastern Province to the new domestic structure. He was not needed with the ball so he did not bowl.
6. Cameron Delport – 65
This was probably the hardest slot to fill. Do I go in with a big-hitting batter who scored 65 off 65 at 6 or Nofal who struck two 50s which include a 90 odd not out? Unfortunately, Nofal had to miss out here. Cameron Delport came in and really took the game away from the opposition with his six 4s and one 6.
7. Sizwe Masondo (wk.) – 22
Wicket-keepers across the two-division did not have a successful game bar Ryan Rickelton from Lions and debutant for Titans, Jordan Hermann. I’ve gone with Masondo for his 22 and 2 dismissals.
8. Keith Dudgeon – 4 for 25 and 3 for 32
Easily my MVP for Div. 2 at the moment. Keith showed great skill and pace as he helped bowl Tuskers to victory.
9. Phaphama Fojela – 0-11 & 0-30
I am sure everyone can agree that a bowler who can bowl 11 overs and go for 11 runs would be a gun selection for any team. Ta Foj, as we call him in the Eastern Cape bowled with great accuracy and showed his level of experience
10. Thamsanqa Rapelego – 4/71
Thamsanqa bowled quite well in the first innings to pick up 4 wickets when it seemed like wickets wouldn’t really come his side’s way.
11. Thomas Kaber – 6/75 & 3/110
With a total of 9 wickets, Thomas Kaber’s inclusion needs no justification.
Special mentions
Malcolm Nofal 58 and 96*
Michael Erlank for his 6 wickets
Photo: Sydney Mahlangu/ BackpagePix
