Exciting Newlands test awaits Dolphins

The Hollywoodbets Dolphins continue a long run of matches in the 4-Day Series when they head to WSB Newlands for a showdown with WSB Western Province starting on Tuesday.

The Dolphins have drawn two and won one of their three matches in the red ball competition so far this season and will be hoping to add another important win to their record when the match concludes in Cape Town on Friday.

Dolphins coach Quinton Friend would have been buoyed by the impact that the young players had in their drawn match against the Moothee Ram Tuskers last week at Hollywoodbets Kingsmead.

Debutant Aryan Gopalan was resolute in batting the Dolphins into a position of safety on the final day when he made an epic 28 off 122 deliveries batting at No 9.

Heading into the clash in Cape Town the Dolphins welcome back Marques Ackerman who has been absent from the squad due to an injury. The captain will be a welcome return to the Dolphins side going into this week.

The Dolphins have emerged well from pressure situations in their previous two matches in the 4-Day Series and coach Quinton Friend feels that the resilience shown is crucial going forward.

"We've come off two draws in which we have really had to step up as a team and it's brilliant to see how the guys have stepped up and dealt with the pressure," Friend said. "To bat out for a draw in both matches is critical in the context of the competition because we remain unbeaten and it also just shows the mindset of the team."

Looking ahead and on areas that they will be highlighting, Friend has mentioned the bowling as an area to improve.

"The last two matches we haven't been able to get full bowling points which is something that we always want.

"We have dropped a number of catches this season so far which makes it more difficult to get full bowling points but we are determined to get that right at Newlands this week," a positive Friend commented.

With such a busy schedule in the 4-Day Series, the Dolphins squad has been fairly consistent however Friend has been able to bring in some of the players that are on the fringes of the Dolphins set-up.

"I think we've been able to rotate quite nicely and give younger players a go which has been brilliant to see.

"The likes of Nqobani Mokoena, Aryan Gopalan and Semal Pillay have all made their debuts this season and contributed as well which has been fantastic.

With two draws and a victory on their record, the Dolphins are within touching distance of first place on the table which is encouraging for Friend.

"We are currently only nine points off first place and the teams above us have won two matches. This shows that our first innings batting has been good and we want to continue that.

"This is a big week for us being the last round of matches before the T20 competition starts so we want to finish off on a winning note," Friend added.

Hollywoodbets Dolphins v WSB Western Province Squad:

Marques Ackerman (c), Tristan Luus, Khaya Zondo, Tshepang Dithole, Eathan Bosch, Aryan Gopalan, Bryce Parsons, Nqobani Mokoena, Okuhle Cele, Romashan Pillay, Hanu Viljoen (wk), Slade Van Staden, Jason Smith.