After a resounding win in their CSA One-Day Cup opener, the AET Tuskers are in Cape Town on Wednesday looking to build on that start against the table-topping Western Province.
The newcomers to Division 1 upset the apple cart significantly in their debut in the top-flight with a dominant nine wicket win over the DP World Lions which saw them pick up a crucial bonus point from that match.
Heading into their second game of the competition they have had a long break to reflect on that win and coach Grant Morgan feels that a lot went right for them, but it wasn’t luck.
“We took eight out of nine catches that came our way which puts you in a great position in matches,” Morgan said.
“We got a run out and only bowled one wide with the ball, so things went our way, but we deserved that with how well prepared we were for the match.
“After winning the toss and bowling first the team took responsibility for that decision and made it count on a wicket that we thought was a good one.
“I was proud of how the team took the conditions in their stride and took advantage of their home pitch.”
Wednesday’s clash at Newlands might be a slightly different affair with the Tuskers away from home for the first time in Division 1. Not only is it a first away fixture, but Western Province are three matches into their campaign already.
The Cape Town-based side has won two of their three matches so far in the tournament and Morgan has had a chance to assess the opposition ahead of the clash.
“We always look at the opposition thoroughly, but we try and keep our focus internal rather than on the opposition.
“Looking at the Western Province side they’ve got seven bowling options with a lot of variation and then a strong batting line-up that goes hard at the top.
“It’s going to be a massive test but it’s also a massive privilege for us to be flying to Cape Town and playing at Newlands and being where we are right now.
‘We’re going there to focus on ourselves and play our brand of cricket and make sure that we throw that first punch,” Morgan added.
The Tuskers will travel with the eleven players that won their opening match of the season and have added a few more to the squad and Morgan believes that these additions will help them adjust should they need to.
“We’re going with a horses for courses approach so the team might not be the same as the one that beat the Lions.
“Along with the eleven that beat the Lions we’ve added (Stefan) Tait, (Cameron) Shekelton and Yaseen Vallie to the squad for the trip to Cape Town.
“We’ll see how things are when we get down there and then pick our side to suit the conditions and find the best possible combinations.”
AET Tuskers v Western Province Squad:
Dilivio Ridgaard, Michael Erlank, Kagiso Rapulana, Tian Koekemoer, Mbulelo Budaza, Malcom Nofal, Kyle Nipper, Keith Dudgeon, Thando Ntini, Pite van Biljoen, Alindile Mhletywa, Cameron Shekleton, Stefan Tait, Yaseen Vallie.
