Plays of the Day for the Champions League match between Auckland Aces and Titans in Durban
Firdose Moonda17-Oct-2012Appreciation of the day
Jacques Rudolph is one of the batsmen who showed that playing proper cricket shots can be effective in 20-overs cricket with his unbeaten 83 in the opening match and he continued in that vein in Durban. He leaned into a drive off Michael Bates’ first over and caressed the ball through the covers with the gentleness of a summer’s breeze. Martin Guptill was on the microphone at the time and could only admire. “Oh, that’s just a good shot,” he said on air before encouraging the bowler to “keep going”.Athleticism of the day
Rudolph looked set to bat through the innings again, although he seemed to tire during the latter stages of his knock. He did not time his drive over extra cover and Andre Adams was on to it. He had to make ground from cover and leap at the right instant, but got there with enough time to go and with both hands although he was moving significantly to his left. He took the catch to end Rudolph’s knock and show that, even at 37, age really is nothing but a number.Experience of the day
They say you can’t buy it and, cheesy as it sounds, Alfonso Thomas is proof of it. Having played professional cricket for 15 summers, Thomas knows a thing or two about bowling, especially on South African pitches. Although he plays his cricket up country, Thomas spent two years at the Dolphins and would also be familiar with the Kingsmead pitch, where his seam movement could be shown off. His fourth delivery of the day straightened from a short of a length and Lou Vincent had a prod. That was all Thomas needed to take the wicket, showing that knowing what to do really does pay off.Luck of the day
Auckland had to have some and it came when Colin de Grandhomme tried to hit left-arm spinner Roelof van der Merwe through the offside. He backed away so far that he could not get back to counter the turn and ended up inside-edging almost onto his stumps. Fine leg was wide and de Grandhomme managed to survive and pick up four runs, although Auckland would have needed plenty more if they were to seriously challenge the Titans.Colour of the day
Already in this tournament both teams have worn the same shades; when Uva Next played Trinidad & Tobago, they were both kitted out in red. Today, both Auckland Aces and Titans were dressed in light blue shirts but at least this time there was something to separate them. Titans’ bottoms are the same shade as their tops, but Auckland have darker blue bottoms.
