Cricketing duo off to England
Local cricketers hope to shine in this year's Last Man Standing (LMS) cricket championships in Dulwich, England.
WHILE most of the cricketing world’s attention will be focused on the fifth and final Ashes test match at the Kia Oval. However, just six kilometres down the road, along the A205, local cricketers are gearing up for the Last Man Stands (LMS) championships in Dulwich. The eight-a-side game is played in a T20 format. All eight wickets are needed to bowl a cricket team out. When the seventh wicket falls, the Last Man Stands on his own.
Northglen News recently caught up with two cricketers, vice captain, Byron Whatmore, and head coach, Patrick Steytler, part of the Futura Sports Academy team, who are the only KZN representatives at the event, which boasts a number of international teams. It’s something that doesn’t phase Whatmore.
Though this will be the 23-year-old’s first international competition, it’s an opportunity he is looking forward to. “The English pitches are very similar to the ones here at home. There is good carry and bounce, and the ball seams around a bit, so I’m definitely looking forward to exploiting that. We’re not there to come second, we want to win it,” the lanky fast bowler said.
Head coach of the team, Patrick Steytler, feels confident the team can bring home the title. “We’ve trained really hard and our preparations have gone well. Two of our players are based in England, so hopefully this works out to our advantage. They’ll have more knowledge about the local conditions. Of course I’d love to be out on the field with the boys, but I think I’m better off in the coaching box,” Steytler said.
Most cricket pundits describe the T20 format as a lottery, but it still requires a good innings to reach a competitive score, something Whatmore is hoping to contribute to as a pinch hitter.
“I’m at the lower end of the batting order but I’m hoping to have an impact with the ball and bat. T20 games are about adapting to what’s happening on the field of play, it’s no good having a set plan. It’s all playing out a number of scenarios, we have to be prepared for every eventuality,” Whatmore said.
The final of the LMS championships will be held at the home of cricket, Lord’s.
