Theunis de Bruyn looks a sure bet to stay at least a Proteas Test squad member. Photo: Frikkie Kapp/Gallo Images.
The second days of the first round of fixtures in the Sunfoil Series didn’t deliver as much excitement from the Proteas – who have all been asked to play by new coach Ottis Gibson – but there was one big highlight.
And with JP Duminy deciding to retire from Test cricket, this guy did his cause absolutely no harm.
Here’s how things went for the nationa players on Wednesday.
KNIGHTS
As the national selectors wonder who should compete with a batting spot with AB de Villiers in the Test side, Theunis de Bruyn gave them a big nudge.
The Knights captain was in sublime form against the Cape Cobras in Bloemfontein.
The 24-year-old feasted on the weak opposition attack as he hit 24 fours in a majestic 195 off just 259 balls.
That’s a strike rate of 75, ideal for a modern, attacking batsman.
With him laying the platform, the Knights ended on 551/4, a massive lead of 392.
TITANS
Following captain Aiden Markram’s (he scored 119) declaration on 451/7, the Titans bowler certainly had a nice buffer to play with.
They duly chipped away to have the Dolphins 232/6 at the close but it didn’t quite go according to plan for Morne Morkel.
The experienced quick struggled for rhythm as he took 1/71 in 16 overs.
DOLPHINS
Promising all-rounder Andile Phehlukwayo, who was part of the Test squad in England, followed the example of his teammates in wasting a good start.
He hit 7 fours in his fluent 37 before he was frustratingly bowled by the occasional off-spin of Henry Davids.
HIGHVELD LIONS
Kagiso Rabada’s luckless display with the ball continued as the Warriors piled on an imposing 503/8 at the Wanderers.
The Proteas’ brilliant quick continued to be economical as he only conceded 59 runs from his 27 overs but there were no wickets.
Stephen Cook, hoping for a Test recall, got himself to 20 before he misjudged the length of a Sisanda Magala delivery and was trapped LBW.