Ontong ruled out of Caribbean PL

CAPE TOWN — Cape Cobras captain Justin Ontong (36) has been ruled out of the Caribbean Premier League due to a knee operation to attend to cartilage damage to his knee.

A feature of Ontong’s career has been his longevity. He first represented South Africa in January 2002 and has scored 10 374 runs at an average of 41,16 in 172 first-class games.

Ontong was disappointed upon hearing that he was not included in the Proteas T20 squad for the tour of Bangladesh, but he was undaunted by the setback. “I will be back, and I will give my all for the Cobras,” he said.

Ontong has been a stalwart for the Cape Cobras and South Africa A the past three seasons, and has led the A-team to unofficial “Test series” wins against Australia in 2013 and 2014.

He was also at the helm for the Cobras when they won the franchise double in 2012/2013 and 2013/2014.

Ontong wanted to use the Caribbean experience to attract the attention of the national T20-selectors, but hopes he can bolster his international re-selection while representing the SA A team in India. — Sport24