Tristan Stubbs is the latest in a long line of Grey High cricketers with international potential. Like many before him, a move out of the Eastern Cape seems to be in his future.
Stubbs would do well to make a move to one of the four big unions to enhance his career.
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Dolphins?
At Kingsmead, Stubbs would have all his skills tested to the max, but the Dolphins have helped players like Keegan Petersen earn their breakthrough. The union is hungry for more success across multiple formats and could use a power-hitter in their T20 set-up despite having David Miller at their disposal for most of their white-ball campaigns.
Lions?
The Wanderers would give Stubbs an opportunity to rack up the runs, push the tempo and test his arm at a really big ground. The Lions are also a proven Proteas factory.
Western Province?
While Western Province haven’t been competing for as many trophies as they would like in recent seasons, plying one’s trade at Newlands still has significant advantages. Players who can cut it at Newlands are usually able to handle a moving ball anywhere in the world.
Titans?
The final option is one that might seem like a lock for success, but there are reasons to be wary of a move to the Titans. The SuperSport Park franchise are perennial contenders, but places in their XI are at a premium, with capped Proteas often missing out on games for the men in blue.
Stay at Warriors?
Stubbs is an exciting talent, but he could accelerate his career greatly if he moved away from the Warriors. Of course, staying in the Eastern Cape might be what he is set on for the time being. The Warriors will certainly be able to guarantee him more game time than the more prominent unions.
On the evidence of his CSA T20 Challenge performances, Stubbs is a player that will soon be known well beyond the borders of South Africa.
It might be time for those at the top of the high-performance system to pull alongside him and guide the next steps of his career.