They have arguably the strongest squad and coach Grant Morgan feels that the Durban Heat will have “more than enough meat on the bone” for the Mzansi Super League.
Morgan emerged with possibly the most balanced squad out of the six T20 outfits following Wednesday’s player draft at Montecasino in Johannesburg.
Durban showed that they will do things differently by opting for Afghanistan spinner Rashid Khan, despite having the first pick of the international marquee players, instead of West Indian star Chris Gayle.
Morgan and his management team made a number of clever signings throughout the day, including experienced campaigners such as Vernon Philander, Albie Morkel, Temba Bavuma, Morné van Wyk and Kyle Abbott to go with Proteas limited-overs players David Miller and Heinrich Klaasen.
Of course, Hashim Amla is the Proteas marquee player that will spearhead the batting line-up.
“We managed to pick up the spine of our side with our main bowlers and our power-hitters early, which meant that we just needed to put some more meat on the bone,” Morgan said in a statement.
“You will have a situation where you might not have enough meat, but we feel that we have got more than enough meat on the bone.
“We feel that we have got the best possible balance we can get, and even when guys are away, we have a squad that can still win games.”
Khan will be participating in the T10 League in the UAE from November 23 to December 2, while Miller and Klaasen will be part of the Proteas tour of Australia until November 17, so they may miss some matches.
The Mzansi Super League will run from November 16 to December 16.
The draft is over and the dream team has been selected.
Introducing your Durban Heat team for the @MSL_T20! These guys are fired up and ready to sizzle!🔥 #MSLT20 #HeatUp pic.twitter.com/oRvcELoU2i
— Durban Heat (@durban_heat) October 17, 2018
“We have put together a squad that we are proud of and a squad that has a strong Durban flavour,” Morgan said. “Our squad also incorporates a lot of other players that can add more spice and value to our set-up.
“We want our team to make Durbanites excited for this tournament, and we want to bring them some joy in the holiday season.”
Head coach Grant Morgan with the press answering questions about having such a strong team on paper @DavidMillerSA12 @KhayaZondo73 @keshavmaharaj16 @rashidkhan_19 @VDP_24 @tbavuma10 @mornemorkel65 @wtfmustIuse @albiemorkel @OfficialCSA @MSL_T20 @ESPNcricinfo pic.twitter.com/gMwINLILmC
— Durban Heat (@durban_heat) October 17, 2018
Durban Heat Squad
Hashim Amla, Rashid Khan, David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen, Kyle Abbott, Keshav Maharaj, Khaya Zondo, Albie Morkel, Marchant de Lange, Vernon Philander, Brandon Mavuta, Temba Bavuma, Morné van Wyk, Okuhle Cele, Sarel Erwee, Tladi Bokako.
@ashfakmohamed