Gavin Kaplan makes first-class comeback after 2 years, Wesley Bedja returns for WP

Batsman Gavin Kaplan was named in Western Province’s XI for this week’s 4-Day Domestic Series fixture against the Warriors at St George’s Park.

Kaplan top-scored with 45 in Western Province’s 141 all out on Wednesday.

This is Kaplan’s first first-class fixture since March 2022. He is currently the third-highest run-scorer in the 2023-24 Western Province Cricket Association premier league.

Green Point Cricket Club seamer Wesley Bedja was also named in Western Province’s XI for this week’s fixture in Port Elizabeth.

Bedja debuted in mid-December 2023’s win over North West in Cape Town, but was omitted from the XI for the match against Boland in Paarl later that month.

Western Province are without several first-choice players, including batsmen David Bedingham and Dane Paterson, who are touring New Zealand with the Proteas.

“It’s always difficult when you’re missing key players. They’re obviously away on national duty, but I feel like our squad depth is really good,” said Western Province captain Kyle Verreynne.