Lions star Evan Jones will add his all-rounder skills to the Joburg Super Kings in the SA20. Photo: BackpagePix
THE Joburg Super Kings had a very productive SA20 season three auction in Cape Town on Tuesday.
The franchise had gone to the auction needing to close a few gaps in their squad list, having secured several big players such as Proteas spinner Tabraiz Shamsi and overseas players including Jonny Bairstow and Devon Conway pre-auction.
Albie Morkel, one of the Joburg backroom staff, admitted they were looking to seal a few holes in their squad list.
Morkel highlighted that they needed back-up all-rounders and a local left-handed middle-order batter.
As a result, JSK completed auction buys of all-rounders Evan Jones and Doug Bracewell, while they also secured Wihan Lubbe as a left-hander who can bat in the middle-order.
“Most of our biggest signings were done before, with Jonny Bairstow and Devon Conway joining. To have the quality of those international players in our top-order really makes us a strong team,” Morkel told the media at the auction.
“To add Jones and Lubbe was good for us, especially at the base price. With Jones, we thought we’d go for a little more, so we’re happy with those two guys.
“They are guys with SA20 experience, and that was important for us – so they are not new to what’s happening out there.
That’s how the auction went! 🥳💛#WhistleForJoburg #SA20Auction pic.twitter.com/PQMMdhDUkE
— Joburg Super Kings (@JSKSA20) October 2, 2024
“Shamsi has joined us as well, and I feel all-round, we can pick an XI that can play anywhere.
“There were areas we felt needed back-up, especially a left-hand middle-order batter and an all-rounder for David Wiese. He’s also a little bit older, so you never know when he’s going to pop a hamstring,” he added.
Across the Jukskei, the Pretoria Capitals also had an eventful auction as new coach Jonathan Trott – along with other Capitals representatives – secured a good group ahead of season three.
Trott comes into the Capitals family having done a great job coaching Afghanistan in recent years.
Under the former Western Province and England batter, Afghanistan have beaten South Africa in an ODI series, and Australia and New Zealand in ICC events.
With this move, the 43-year-old Trott makes a return to his country of birth, and brings with him his trusted soldier in Rahmanullah Gurbaz of Afghanistan.
“I think the squad that we’ve got suits playing in Pretoria and also all around the country. But as well, that’s just players on paper – we’ve got to get the players playing well, and the cohesion of the side and getting the right combinations is key to go far in the competition. So, I’m very excited,” said Trott.
“I’m excited to have Gurbaz in our side opening the batting. I think he’s a very talented player. All the Afghanistan players in this league are very talented, and we’ve seen them develop over the last few years. I’ve been privileged to coach them and see them grow,” he added.
Here they are – the Pretoria Capitals! Prepared and primed for victory in the 3rd season of the SA20! 🎯🏏 #PretoriaCapitals #BetwaySA20Auction pic.twitter.com/ifUcaX3CEZ
— Pretoria Capitals (@PretoriaCapsSA) October 1, 2024
Trott reckons that the SA20 will not only benefit South African cricket, but also world cricket at large.
“Franchise cricket has a lot to do with development. What happens is that franchises get talented players, and they make sure they’re exposed to world-class coaches and players and they learn quickly,” he said.
“Competitions like this benefit world cricket as well, not only South African young players. The other young players will come here and go back to their nations (better),” he added.
The first game of season three will get under way on January 9 next year, and will be between defending champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape and MI Cape Town at St George’s Park in Gqeberha.
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