Senokwane among five SA A players to watch on Caribbean tour
Lesego Senokwane Lesego Senokwane of the Knights scored an impressive double century against the Dragons. Photo: BackpagePix
Image: BackpagePix
The South Africa A squad, led by Dolphins star Marques Ackerman, are currently in the West Indies for three List A fixtures and two Four-Day games.
That is where Proteas fringe players will have an opportunity to showcase their skills at a level higher than domestic cricket.
Cricket writer Ongama Gcwabe picks five players to watch during the tour...
Lesego Senokwane
The Knights opening batter has enjoyed a purple patch for a number of seasons in Division One cricket, specialising in the longer format.
This past season, the 24-year-old right-handed batter put together over 500 runs in six Four-Day games, including two hundreds and two 50s.
One of his centuries was a classy double ton (205), his highest first-class score.
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Lhuan-dre Pretorius
The 19-year-old Titans batter was originally in the squad before he was roped in by the Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League.
However, with the Royals' campaign over, the youngster will join the SA A squad in Saint Lucia.
With an attacking style of play, Pretorius is certainly one to watch during the tour as the youngster scored over 400 runs at an average of 74, and his season saw him produce three centuries and one 50.
Jason Smith
Dolphins star Smith has played a handful of international matches recently under the former coach Rob Walter, where he impressed with a brilliant 91 against Ireland.
In this tour, the 30-year-old will have another opportunity to showcase his class as one of the senior batters in the top-to-middle-order.
Having toured the West Indies with the Proteas last year, the team will look to him for guidance, a responsibility that tends to bring out the best in Smith.
Bjorn Fortuin
Fortuin has had a fantastic season with the Lions with both bat and ball.
As captain, he led the Lions to the T20 Challenge triumph and put in an impressive performance in the Four-Day Series final to help the Johannesburg outfit draw the match and share the trophy with the Titans.
As a white-ball specialist, he will be instrumental in the three One-Day games, and his all-round abilities will be key in the Four-Day matches in the Caribbean.
Jordan Hermann
The left-handed Warriors batter has been a consistent performer in domestic cricket, finishing among the top five leading run-scorers in the past three seasons.
This past campaign, the 23-year-old finished as the top run-scorer in the Four-Day Series competition with over 600 runs at an average of 43.
The opener scored one century, 152, and four 50s, playing for a side that was a sinking ship last season.
This tour will be one for him to stake a claim for the opening spot in the senior Proteas team.
One-Day Fixtures
Wednesday, May 21; Saturday, May 24; Tuesday, May 27
Four-Day Matches
Sunday, June 1-4; Sunday, June 8-11
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