Batsman Zubayr Hamza was named in the XI for Western Province’s 4-Day Domestic Series fixture against the Dolphins at Kingsmead in Durban on Sunday.
This is Hamza’s first first-class appearance since February 2022. His International Cricket Council-imposed suspension ended in late December 2022.
Hamza has played four One Day Cup matches for Western Province since – and has averaged 37.9 in 10 matches for the University of the Western Cape Cricket Club in the 2022-23 Western Province Cricket Association premier league.
What Hamza said
“Having nine months off, it’s a lot of time to spend not just out of the game, but pretty much in isolation for large periods as well,” said Hamza recently.
“Having to go through those periods and come out refreshed, with a lot more energy, passion and hunger to succeed – those things have helped me in terms of what I want to achieve.
“What’s happened is in the past. I have put it behind me. I’ve had to allow myself to recuperate and go through the difficult times. I’m all the more better from a mental perspective, having gone through those difficult times in my career – and life.
“Understanding that I have gone through a tough period, I’ve asked myself the difficult questions – and answered. This has allowed me to prepare quite well for the opportunity to play again.”
No Bedingham and Burger
Western Province are batsman David Bedingham, who has been sidelined by a shoulder injury for several months. He has not played professional cricket since September 2022.
Fast bowler Nandre Burger was not considered for selection, according to head coach Salieg Nackerdien.
WP vying for 4-Day Domestic Series title
Western Province currently occupy second position in division one of the 2022-23 4-Day Domestic Series. They have won two fixtures – against the Knights and Boland and drawn one – with the Titans.
“We want to keep that momentum going and maintain the unbeaten run. The last part of 2022 was amazing for us, hopefully, we can continue to deliver good performances on the road as well,” added Nackerdien.
“We have a good chance this year to deliver good news to us and to our fans. We just have to plan and execute well. So, let’s see how the weather plays out in a couple of weeks or so as we will have back-to-back fixtures.”