Multiply Titans Versus Hollywoodbets Dolphins: Day 2 Frustration and Elation

By Erika Southey

 
At some point it looked that rain would halt play on day two of the match between the Multiply Titans and Hollywoodbets Dolphins.

The weather cleared and play resumed.

 

Opening batsmen Heino Kuhn and Aiden Markram continued where they left off from the previous day. “We built a record partnership of 201 runs” Kuhn said, after the day’s innings.

This match his debut as an opening batsman; Markram was clear about his aspirations. He hit a whopping 162 runs, before Senuran Muthusamy claimed this crucial wicket.

Kuhn an opener all his life reminisced a little about his debut. He hit a respectable 96 against the Knights in Bloemfontein in the 2004/2005 season. “I would like to have scored in the hundreds, like him (referring to Markram)”: he smiled.

Kuhn got dismissed by Craig Alexander after hitting 88 runs from 134 balls.
How does he stay calm and avoid playing 1-day shots in the 4-day format?
“I don’t change my way of batting” said Kuhn. He stays focused. Patience is key to his calm batting demeanour. It’s important for openers to build a solid partnership.

Kuhn encouraged team-mate Markram to: “play on merit and to enjoy the match”. The advice paid off.

The Dolphins had a further breakthrough by claiming two more important wickets.

Mthokozisi Shezi was responsible for dismissing Grant Mokoena after 70 runs followed by Henry Davids on 10 runs. “Not a good day”: Davids said.

Persistence paid off for Andile Phehlukwayo and he got the coveted wicket of Farhaan Behardien.

Qaasim Adams and Heinrich Klaasen stabilised the Titans taking them through to close of play. The Multiply Titans will resume play on 379/5 tomorrow.

A frustrating day indeed for the Hollywoodbets Dolphins. Craig Alexander said today was “tough”. “My bowling areas aren’t great”: he explained. Talking about overall fitness training; he said: “a long day at the crease and on the field is harder.” They covered “3.5 km in five overs!”

Post match both teams were back on the field for some unwinding. The Multiply Titans players and their coaches indulged in a soccer match. One would not say that these are the same players who walked off the field after a long day at their cricket office. Last time I heard; some La Liga teams are hiring.

Cosmic Cricket caught up with ex South African player and cricketing great; Mark Boucher who was recently appointed as the Multiply Titans Head Coach.
What is it like to change roles from player to coach?
“It’s frustrating to teach” said Boucher and continued: “I’ve been away from cricket for five years. The game changed a lot.”
He has a mentoring approach. Though working as a team, Boucher highlighted: “I work with individuals as well.” Individual personalities and styles. It can sometimes be frustrating when introducing different techniques.

What perspective has changed; now that he fills a coach’s shoes? At some point; we all experienced seeing a role from a different perspective.
“It’s early days” he said, but one thing stood out. As a player Boucher “got very emotional” which didn’t always count in his favour. He used it to fuel his batting.
Time and a 5-year break tempered him down. “I handle the emotional side better”. This helps him towards reaching his goals as coach and increasing team performance.