The North West Dragons are back at their home base at J.B. Marks Oval in Potchefstroom for a mouthwatering CSA 4 Day Challenge clash against the Lions from 17 to 20 November.
The action starts today (Thursday, 17 November), with the Dragons hoping for four full days of play after their opening match against the Knights was washed out in Bloemfontein last weekend.
Heavy rainfall in Bloemfontein washed out three and a half days of cricket. The Dragons only batted for 28 overs, scoring 94/1 on the first day’s play. The experienced Grant Mokoena contributed 78 for the Dragons. Mokoena will be a key player for the Dragons in their quest to get a win against a star-studded Lions team.
Captain Nicky van den Bergh, Delano Potgieter and Wesley Marshall will want to get a win against their former employers. All-rounder, Senuran Muthusamy, will also play a key role with bat and his spin bowling.
Duan Jansen misses out due to bronchitis, whilst Eldred Hawken, Heino Kuhn and Lesego Senokwane comes back into the squad to bolster the team.
“We are looking forward to those three taking to the field against the Lions. We know the experience of Heino Kuhn, as well as Lesgo’s ability from an opening batsman point of view. Eldred Hawken has also shown what he can do with the ball,” stated NW Dragons head coach, Craig Alexander.
The Lions have included Proteas test players Temba Bavuma, Kagiso Rabada, Rassie van der Dussen and Wiaan Mulder in their squad.
This match might just provide these Protea players with ideal longformat game time ahead of the upcoming tour to Australia. Other players to look out for are Lions captain Dominic Hendricks, opener Reeza Hendricks and middle-order batsman Mitchell van Buuren.
“The team is looking forward to take on the Lions and we are up for the challenge,” added Alexander.
The action starts at 10:00, and entrance for all four days is free. The Dragons (currently on 6 points on the log) will need all the support from their local fanbase in what promises to be one of the best matches of the week. A win will be crucial in moving up in the table.
* The Warriors (on 21 points) are currently on top of the table after their seven-wicket win against the Boland Rocks last weekend. They face the Dolphins in Gqeberha. The Titans also take on the Knights in Centurion.
