Tuskers confirm exciting squad for upcoming season

The ACDC Express Tuskers have confirmed their new-look squad for their return to Division 1 of domestic cricket in South Africa.

After a dominant season in Division 2 where the Tuskers won all three trophies on offer, one was a shared 4-Day Domestic Series title, and the selection committee has gained the services of a number of experienced players for the new season.

The Tuskers have retained the core of their team that regained promotion following just one season in Division 2 and will once again be led by the likes of the experienced Michael Erlank, Kagiso Rapulana, Ziyaad Abrahams and Mbulelo Budaza.

They will also rely on young stars Sean Gilson, Chad Laycock, Cameron Shekleton and Ntando Zuma.

The AET Pietermaritzburg Oval will also welcome some vastly experienced former Proteas in Wayne Parnell, Daryn Dupavillon and Hardus Viljoen.

All three have represented the Proteas with Parnell playing over 130 matches for South Africa across formats. The 35-year-old will add important experience of winning matches at the highest level.

Tuskers head coach Ahmed Amla is excited to sprinkle in some Division 1 experience into his squad for the season.

"It's great to see that players from around South Africa are starting to look at Pietermaritzburg as a good place to come and win games but have fun along the way," Amla said. "We have pretty much the same squad from last season with some additions in areas we felt may assist us in what is going to be a challenging season.

"There is a buzz and excitement around getting another opportunity to play against the best teams in the country again. It was just reward to the players who really gave the very best of themselves last season."

Speaking on the acquisitions of Parnell, Viljoen and Dupavillon in particular, Amla is excited to see the value that they can add.

"I know what they bring in the terms of their match winning abilities, it's more exciting to see how enthused they are about really making a difference within the Tuskers environment."

Also amongst the new recruits is the returning Andile Mogokane. Mogokane played for the Tuskers and spent the last season with the Warriors in Gqeberha but returns as a more experienced all-rounder that made a significant impact during his time with the Warriors.

The Tuskers will also welcome former North West seamer Bamanye Xenxe as well as Warriors seamer Renaldo Meyer.

There are two talented youngsters signed on as High-Performance players: Jack Lees and Muhammed Bulbulia.

Lees made an immediate impact when he was given an opportunity last season and made two centuries for the Tuskers, one in their 4-Day Series match against Border and a List-A ton against the SA Emerging side in the CSA 1-Day Cup.

Bulbulia has been a stand-out for the SA Under-19 side recently and shot to the top of mind when he made 88 and 114 against England Under-19 in their recent Youth Test Match.

ACDC Express Tuskers Squad

Retained Players: Michael Erlank, Malcolm Nofal, Sean Gilson, Kagiso Rapulana, Cameron Shekleton, Chad Laycock, Ntando Zuma, Ziyaad Abrahams, Sean Whitehead, Mbulelo Budaza, Marcello Piedt.

New Signings: Wayne Parnell, Daryn Dupavillon, Hardus Viljoen, Andile Mogakane, Renaldo Meyer, Bamanye Xenxe,

High Performance: Jack Lees, Muhammed Bulbulia