Topham Cricket Club wicketkeeper-batsman Jason Oakes has been named the 2017-18 KwaZulu-Natal Cricket Union Player of the Season.
Oakes was key to KwaZulu-Natal’s title-winning Sunfoil 3-Day Cup campaign – and debuted for the Dolphins in the Sunfoil Series.
“I could only score the runs I did because of the batsman I had around me and because I faced arguably the best bowling attack in the country at every practice session,” said Oakes.
“Everyone wanted to put up their hand every game, and it showed, with everyone making big scores or taking three-plus wickets at some point during the season. Every time I went out to bat I knew exactly what I had to do – and I think that goes for everyone in the team.
The talented right-hander opened the batting alongside the experienced Sarel Erwee on franchise debut, scoring a solid 28 in a drawn fixture against the Warriors at Kingsmead in Durban.
“Making my debut for the Dolphins has been the highlight of my career, and a dream come true,” he added.
“The players and the coaches made it very easy to feel like part of the team – and were instrumental in preparing for the game and letting me know that I deserved to be there.
“I’d like to thank the Dolphins for giving me the opportunity – and to my provincial team-mates and coaches for supporting me, backing me, and setting high standards throughout the season.”