Western Province interim head coach Faiek Davids has effectively hailed Western Province spinner Kyle Simmonds as a like-for-like replacement for Proteas all-rounder George Linde.
Simmonds has returned to the Cape Town-based team after stints with Northerns and the Titans. He had previously represented the Cape Cobras and KwaZulu-Natal, too.
Simmonds is in Western Province’s squad for this month’s T20 Knockout tournament in Kimberley. Linde is not in the squad.
None of the Proteas selected for 2021 T20 World Cup – as a squad member or travelling reserve – will be involved in the T20 Knockout competition.
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“We had foreseen that George would be with the Proteas for most of the season and that Kyle would almost be a direct replacement for George. We are excited to have Kyle back. He is a solid left-arm spinner and can hit the long ball,” said Davids.
Davids on Smith, Woolf and Kamanzi
The Western Province squad also features the uncapped Daniel Smith and Jordan Woolf. Spinner Yves Kamanzi has also been picked.
“Daniel is effectively a back-up for Kyle Verreynne. Daniel would bat at the top or in the middle order,” added Davids.
“Jordan is an exciting all-rounder. He strikes the ball very well and can give you an over or two in T20 cricket.
“Yves is a good left-arm spinner in control of his line and length. If the opportunity arises, we are confident any of these players can step up and do well.”
Western Province have been pooled with the Northern Cape, Gauteng and South Western Districts for the new tournament. The pool matches will be played in Kimberley from 24 to 26 September.
WP squad for 2021 T20 Knockout tournament
- Wayne Parnell (captain)
- Kyle Verreynne (vice-captain)
- Aviwe Mgijima
- Basheer Walters
- Beuran Hendricks
- Daniel Smith
- Jonathan Bird
- Jordan Woolf
- Kyle Simmonds
- Mihlali Mpongwana
- Nandre Burger
- Tony de Zorzi
- Tshepo Moreki
- Yves Kamanzi
- Zubayr Hamza