The SWD cricket team will be with their backs against the wall when they take on Western Province at the Recreation Ground in Oudtshoorn. After four matches (two three day and two one-day) the men from the Southern Cape are still without a victory and a favorable result will be much needed after a disappointing and frustrating visit to East London last weekend.
Good news for the SWD as the 23 year old slow left arm orthodox bowler, Siya Simetu, has recovered from a shoulder injury and will be fit to take up his place in the starting lineup. Coach Deon Smith will be able to field his strongest possible team and the home side will be hoping to defend their good record against the strong Cape Town based outfit. Of the seven previous first class outing between the two teams each team has won three each with one draw. One of SWD’s most famous victories was against WP when they defeat Province with an innings and 58 runs in a match when Marcello Piedt bagged bowling figures of 7/6 in his debut first class match in October 2012.
The visitors will be highly competitive with the like of Zubayr Hamza who recently scored a double hundred against Namibia as well as SA U/19 World Cup player, Clyde Fortuin and players with franchise experience like Pieter Malan and Aviwe Mgijima.
The SWD team for the Three Day match is: Ross McMillan (capt), Sammy-Joe Avontuur (v/captain), Waldo Lategan. Luthando Mnyanda, Brendon Louw, Pieter Stuurman, Erinn Ewerts, Marcello Piedt, Lonwabo Rodolo, Gurshwin Rabie and Siya Simethu. Hanno Kotze will replace Avontuur for the Limited over match on Sunday.
The Western Province team is: Pieter Malan (Capt), Matthew Kleinveldt, Lesiba Ngoepe, Zubayr Hamza (v/capt), Clyde Fortuin (w/k), Jason Smith, George Frederik Linde, Thokozani Peter, Aviwe Mgijima, Brendan Young, Travis Muller, Brian Shushu and David Bedingham
