18-year-old JJ Basson takes 11 wickets in South African debut match
In South Africa, 18-year-old left-arm fast bowler JJ Basson of the DP World Lions took 11 wickets for 99 runs in his first-class cricket debut against Boland. The opening-round match of the new First Class Series at Wanderers Stadium ended in a draw.
As TimesLIVE reports, Basson shared a dressing room with Temba Bavuma during the four days of the match. The defending champion Lions were unable to secure a victory: in Boland's second innings, opening batter Ruan Terblanche remained unbeaten on 66 runs.
Basson's performance
Despite centuries by Ryan Rickelton and Boland's Lehan Botha, Basson's debut became the main event of the match. The nearly two-metre-tall bowler, with a high arm action, generated bounce from the surface and troubled opponents with the accuracy of his deliveries. His late movement of the ball was also difficult for left-handed batters.
More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.
Basson dismissed Gavin Kaplan, last season's leading run-scorer, twice. In the first innings, Kaplan edged the ball to second slip, while in the second he was out leg before wicket. Neil Brand was bowled by Basson in the first innings and was also out leg before wicket in the second.
Workload and other matches
The Lions intend to carefully manage the young player's workload. Basson is due to complete his final school examinations soon, after which the club will monitor the number of overs and matches in which he takes part.
In other Division 1 matches, North West Dragons defeated Free State Knights by 135 runs. The Western Province vs Warriors match ended in a draw because of rain, while Titans beat Dolphins by an innings and 60 runs. Marco Jansen finished that game with figures of seven wickets for 100 runs.
