Cape Cobras coach Ashwell Prince believes he has found the perfect replacement for Kyle Verreynne as they gear up for their first 1Day Cup match against the Highveld Lions in Potchefstroom on Friday.
Verreynne, one of the Cobras’ stars in recent seasons, is currently in Pakistan where he is representing South Africa’s Test team.
In steps 22-year-old former SA junior player and current SWD ace Jean du Plessis.
Of Du Plessis, Prince says: “He’s an accomplished batsman, he will have a significant role to play in this tournament obviously taking the gloves from Kyle. We see it as a like-for-like replacement.
“Kyle normally comes in at No.5 and has done really well and obviously got the call-up to the Proteas team in one-day cricket as well.
“I can see Jean doing a similar role – maybe at No.4 or five, I think he will have a significant role to play this season.”
With Pool B starting tournament bubble life this week after the Dolphins and Knights already qualified for the semis of the tournament from Pool A, Prince says his manne have more than enough activities to keep themselves busy with in Potchefstroom.
The former Proteas batsman explains: “These days with [internet] connectivity, that’s a big thing – so it’s Netflix and chill if you like.
“There’s also quite a few guys that enjoy their Xbox and Playstation 5s. Fifa and all these type of things.
“I’ve got a few books here and I’m pretty sure a few of the other guys have some books here as well.
“We’ve got some cards – not sure if anyone brought some dominoes… we’re prepared, we’ve got something going here for our spare time.”