Leg-spinner Josh Breed was the joint fifth-highest wicket-taker – and most prolific wrist spinner – in this season’s T20 Challenge, which ended this month.
Breed took 11 wickets in eight matches, including a career-best three for 31 against Boland in Paarl.
After Western Province’s T20 Challenge campaign, he returned to Western Province Cricket Association premier league cricket and took a four-wicket haul for Claremont Cricket Club against Cape Town Cricket Club.
“Professional cricket is a massive step up from club cricket. At this level, preparation is far more technical. You study batters, analyse their plans and figure out how to get them out. Club cricket doesn’t offer that structure,” Breed told the Southern Suburbs Tatler.
Breed was Western Province Colts’ leading wicket-taker in three-day cricket last season and, this week, debuted in first-class cricket as well. He is currently playing in Western Province’s 4-Day Domestic Series fixture against the Tuskers in Pietermaritzburg.
“Coach Rory Kleinveldt has really backed me. The confidence he’s instilled in me has helped me excel. He knows how I performed in the Colts team and having a coach who understands your game that well is very encouraging,” added Breed.
Western Province currently occupy sixth position on this season’s 4-Day Domestic Series, division one, points table. They have won one and lost three matches.
“It was disappointing at times earlier in the season, but the beauty of cricket is that you can move forward with so much confidence. My game has grown tremendously, and as a team, we’re in a good space heading into the four-day competition again,” concluded Breed.