3 November 2023
The KwaZulu-Natal Inland Schools’ Cricket Association has revealed the u19 and u16 teams who will represent the province in the December holidays.
The 13-player squad which will do duty at the Khaya Majola Week in Makhanda from 16-20 December, includes five players from St Charles College, four from Hilton College, and two each from Michaelhouse and Maritzburg College.
A look over the line-up reveals a talented, balanced squad with many options, both on the batting and bowling fronts. It appears, though, that the all-rounders, Ross Boast and Bryn Brokensha (in feature photo), will carry a heavy workload, maybe more with the ball than with the bat, which is a favourable comment on the depth of the batting. And both are extremely capable batsmen, too.
The most in-form of the batsmen selected is, undoubtedly, Michaelhouse’s run scoring machine, Murray Baker, who has enjoyed an exceptional end to the year. He’ll provide middle order security along with Boast and Brokensha, although any of the three could come in at first wicket down.
Caleb Thomas and Sam Brown are specialist openers, while Ntando Zuma is a proven high-quality performer who has delivered some of his best performances for the Coastal Conquerors, made up of players from KZN and KZN Inland, in the Cubs Week, which brings together the best under-19 players in South Africa. He was in the Conquerors side that claimed the national title in 2022. Ivan Lockem, if he gets going, can tear a bowling attack apart. He hits the ball very cleanly.
Matthew Urquhart is a more than useful batsman and an accurate off-spinner, while Cameron Strudwick provides a left-arm spin option, and Nathan Beaumont is a fine leg-spinner.
Matipa and Natanzi Denenga bring medium-paced options to the bowling attack, while Thabiso Ndlela adds a bit of extra pace up front.
The non-travelling reserves include Nathan Hoatson, Asanda Khumalo, and Chad Mason, who all offer all-round skills. Mason might regard himself as the unluckiest player to miss out. He’s performed consistently well with both bat and ball in the fourth term and has made meaningful contributions for Maritzburg College throughout 2023.
KZN Inland u19 Squad
Caleb Thomas (Maritzburg College), Ntandoyenkosi Zuma (St Charles College), Samuel Brown (St Charles College), Murray Baker (Michaelhouse), Ross Boast (Hilton College), Bryn Brokensha (Maritzburg College), Ivan Lockem (Hilton College), Cameron Strudwick (Michaelhouse), Thabiso Ndlela (St Charles College), Matipa Denenga (Hilton College), Natanzi Denenga (Hilton College), Nathan Beaumont (St Charles College), Matthew Urquhart (St Charles College)
Non-travelling reserves
Nathan Hoatson (Michaelhouse), Asanda Khumalo (Maritzburg College), Chad Mason (Maritzburg College)
Head coach: David Griffiths (Hilton College)
Assistant coach: Ahmed Amla (KZNCUI)
Manager: Stem Siwela (Weston Agricultural College)
KZN Inland u16 Squad
Rico Honiball (St Charles College), Thandanani Zuma (St Charles College), Dakshesh Raja (St Charles College), Hayden Hewlett (Michaelhouse), Nicholas Baker (Michaelhouse), Ethan Muir (Michaelhouse), Ben Hockly (Hilton College), Liyema Nela (Hilton College), Luke Campbell (Hilton College), Sphamandla Dzanibe (Maritzburg College), Siphosethu Ngcobo (Ikusaselihle High), Daniel Nadasen (Maritzburg College), Radhesh Jhilmeet (Michaelhouse)
Non-travelling reserves
Thubelihle Ndlovu (Ikusaselihle High), Doelyn Naidoo (Maritzburg College), David Hill (Hilton College)
Head coach: Lucky Dladla (St Charles College)
Assistant coach: Shaun Sinclair (Maritzburg College)
Manager: Suvedh Ramprith (Drakensview Primary)
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