After what was his season of discovery in the northern territory of Gauteng, Wesley Marshall now heads south, across the famous Jukskei River divide, with the hopes of getting more exposure and game time with the Johannesburg-based Lions, writes Marc Jacobson.
Marshall had represented the Benoni-based Easterns for the last several seasons in all three formats of the provincial leagues.
He was particularly impressive in last year’s CSA Provincial T20 Cup where he scored the most runs for his team, amassing 269 runs at an average of 53.80. Included in that spell, Marshall smashed 87 in the final where his team were crowned champions.
The 26-year-old also totalled 471 runs at an average of 58.87 in the CSA Provincial 3-Day Provincial Cup this past season.
His team were announced as joint-winners with KwaZulu-Natal of the three-day tournament after the season was cut short due to ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Two years ago, in the 2018/19 season, Marshall top-scored for the Easterns in both the CSA Provincial three-day and one-day leagues.
Having been part of this winning culture, and having reaped much personal gain recently, the right-handed batsman’s exploits at provincial level has gotten rewarded.
He got called up to represent the Titans in the recently concluded 4-Day Franchise Series, as well as having been a wildcard pick for the Durban Heat in the Mzansi Super League late last year.
“This was a massive season for me. It was a breakthrough season,” a proud Marshall told Cricket Fanatics Magazine.
“Getting my franchise debut for the Titans and having done really well for them, sort of gave me belief that I can play franchise cricket.
“When I got picked I felt like I was ready and that I could contribute to the team. I didn’t feel like I needed to go through more learning if that makes sense.”
Marshall made a name for himself for the Titans, having scored 413 runs in five four-day matches at an average of 41.30 with a top score of 109.
Having rolled out his own carpet and walked on it, too, the Johannesburg local now looks ahead to a stint with the Lions where he hopes to build on his recent successes in franchise cricket.
“This is going to be a new chapter and I just want some [more] playing opportunity and hopefully I get that at the Lions.
“I did alright with the Titans, but with all the Proteas being available all the time things just didn’t always work out there.
“I’m hoping to get more opportunities at the Lions and help them win a few trophies. I want to contribute as much as I can to make it a successful season for them.”
Marshall, who was schooled at King Edward Secondary and St. Dunstan’s College in Lions country, will be playing in familiar territory.
“Having gone to school in Jo’burg there are a few guys I’ve played with before and I think it’s a great set-up.
“Jo’burg in general always play with high standards when it comes to cricket, with fitness, with skills and what they expect of you.
“I enjoy that. I enjoy putting in the hard work and I think I’ll be a good fit for them,” he said, adding that it would be invaluable for him to learn from international regulars Temba Bavuma, Rassie van der Dussen and Dwaine Pretorius at the Lions.
Easterns and Northerns are the two provincial teams that comprise the Titans franchise and, without taking anything away from his impressive debut for the men in baby blue, Marshall credits the Benoni-based province for getting him to where he is now.
“Massive credit has to go to the guys at Easterns for getting me to make my Titans debut,” he said.
“I also owe a lot to Easterns for helping to secure this Lions contract for me.”
Marshall added that he managed to secure the contract successfully to fill the void left behind by Wihan Lubbe, who transferred from the Lions to the Warriors.
“My agent and I thought it would be a good idea to give the Lions a call to see what their plans were. Before we knew it, within 24 hours, I had a contract that I signed with them.
“It all happened very quickly and I don’t even think I was on their radar.”
Photo: Frikkie Kapp/BackpagePix
