Durban – The return of the majority of the Dolphins squad to Durban has propelled the KZN franchise into the next phase of their preparations for the upcoming 2016/17 South African domestic cricket season.
With various squad members having spent much of the winter playing cricket in the Northern Hemisphere, at the Powerade National Academy or with the South Africa ‘A’ squad in Australia, head coach Grant Morgan is pleased to have the majority of his personnel gathered in Durban once more.
“It’s great to have a near full squad together again,” says Morgan.
“The SA ‘A’ guys got back on Wednesday and all the guys except Daryn Smit are now back from the UK.”
“Those who have been here in Durban this winter have been working really hard and I’m really pleased with what they’ve achieved so far.
“With the other guys’ return, it will be great to now get everyone working together again in the build up to this important season for the Dolphins.”
While the fit members of the extended Dolphins, KZN, KZN Inland and KZN Cricket Academy squad enjoy another internal warm-up match at Chatsworth Oval on Thursday and Friday this week, a few continue their recovery from injury.
“We still have Daryn Dupavillon completing his rehabilitation after his shoulder, and now also finger surgery while Brandon Scullard and Prenelan Subrayen recently suffered injuries, but all in all we’re looking really good and I’m pleased with things are going.
“The guys have also had a couple of honest chats already and there is a great atmosphere amongst the squad – you can already start to feel the love developing,” says Morgan.
Morgan also confirms that a fitness test on Monday and a team building session on the Wild Coast from Tuesday to Thursday will then be followed by some more time in the middle.
“Our fitness test on Monday will give us a clear understanding of where each player is at this stage and should there be any improvement needed, the guys then have three weeks to do so before the season starts.
“Our time down the coast as well as a team braai, etc. before the season will hopefully continue to bring the group even closer together.
“Another internal warm-up game or two will also give everyone some more good opportunities out there in the middle before we head into season proper, starting with the Sunfoil Series.”