Basson makes dream debut with 11-wicket haul

South Africa U19 star JJ Basson announced himself on the first-class stage in spectacular fashion, claiming 11 wickets on debut for the DP World Lions against Dafabet Boland in the opening round of the 1st Class Series this past.

The 18-year-old matriculant produced figures of 7/62 in the first innings before following that up with another impressive 4/37 in the second, finishing with match figures of 11/99.

The performance not only helped underline his potential as an exciting young fast bowler but also set a new record for the best-ever debut figures by a Lions player.

“It’s really special. It’s something that I didn’t see happening in my debut match but I’m really proud of myself for managing to accomplish it and perform so well for the team,” said Basson.

“I’m definitely going to look to take the confidence I gained from this match into the following matches in my career.”

Despite the remarkable figures, Basson revealed that he was not focused on his personal wicket tally during the match, instead keeping his attention on what the team needed from him.

“It’s definitely a bit of a shock taking 11 wickets on debut and to be quite honest, I was never looking at the wicket column during the innings,” he said.

“For me, the biggest thing was making sure I did my best to contribute to the team and do what the team needed. Whether that was taking wickets or bowling pressure, that was my main concern.”

The teenager admitted to feeling nervous ahead of his debut but said the occasion of representing the Lions at the iconic DP World Wanderers Stadium made the experience even more memorable.

“Making my debut in first-class cricket is an amazing feeling and making it for the Lions makes it even more special,” he said.

“I was definitely a bit nervous going into the match but as the game went on, I just eased into it. I felt a lot more relaxed and was able to be my old self when I got the opportunity to bowl.”

With his first match now under his belt, Basson expects the experience to help him settle into life in the professional game.

“I think now that it’s done, the butterflies will always be there every time I get the opportunity to step onto the field with the Lions badge on but hopefully I’m going to be more relaxed going into the future.”

Basson also acknowledged the influence of Lions bowling coach Allan Donald, who he credits with playing an important role in his development over the past 18 months.

“Coach AD has been a massive influence on my game, especially over the last 18 months. I’ve been really fortunate to have the opportunity to train with him and have him as a mentor and bowling coach,” he said.

“I’ve learned a lot and he’s taught me a lot about my game and about fast bowling. I’m going to continue learning as much as possible every time we’re at training.”

“Every time I get an opportunity to have a chat about fast bowling or cricket, I’m always going to try to be like a sponge and absorb as much as I can, so that I don’t only learn more about the game but improve my game while doing it.”

The defending champions are in Bloemfontein to face newly promoted Flexbrands Knights when the second round of the red-ball competition gets underway on Thursday, with the Lions looking to secure their first win of the season after a stalemate with Dafabet Boland in Johannesburg last week.

A handful of stalwarts who expedited the phenomenal hat-trick of four-day titles for the Lions men's team return to action on Thursday for #ThePrideOfJozi at the Mangaung Oval.

Zubayr Hamza, Connor Esterhuizen, Delano Potgieter, Codi Yusuf and Nqaba Peter have all played key roles in the red-ball set-up and their return from duty with the Proteas and the SA 'A' side makes up for the departure of Temba Bavuma and Ryan Rickelton, who will be joining the national side as they prepare for the ODI series against Australia.

Donald said the management had resisted the temptation to rush Lutho Sipamla back into the team, preferring to give him another week to increase his loads after recovering from a hamstring injury, with an eye on the Pro20 Cup that begins on September 27 for the Lions.

This is despite Basson not being available. The 18-year-old is still in matric at Hoerskool Noordheuwel and has three exams this week.

Yusuf is back to lead the attack, recently taking eight wickets in two matches for SA 'A' during the winter. Potgieter's return is also a great addition to the bowling attack with both Yusuf and Potgieter having played for Hampshire under regular Lions head coach Russell Domingo. Proteas leg-spinner Peter is also in the squad and the slippery Siya Plaatjie, who took 15 wickets in five red-ball matches last season, remains in the fold, so the Lions certainly have the attack to put the Knights under pressure.

The Lions batting order for this week had eight centuries between them in last season's triumphant four-day campaign, so there should be some solid run-getting by #ThePrideOfJozi in the days to come.