Rassie van der Dussen earns central contract from Cricket South Africa

Rassie van der Dussen, will become the 17th player on a national contract, after the spot was left vacant by the exit of Duanne Olivier, who signed the Kolpak deal.

Prolific batsman Rassie van der Dussen has been awarded a central contract by Cricket South Africa (CSA) contract for the 2019-20 season after a great display during South Africa‘s ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 campaign.

In an unforgettable campaign in England, van der Dussen was among South Africa’s bright spots, scoring 311 runs at an average of 62.20 and a strike rate of 90.40. The 30-year-old will become the 17th player on a national contract, after the spot was left vacant by the exit of Duanne Olivier, who signed the Kolpak deal.

In the women’s team, wicketkeeper Sinalo Jafta can bag a contract if she’s selected for the women’s upcoming tour of India in September and plays in at least one match.

“Rassie’s promotion is thoroughly justified on the back of a brilliant debut season at international level and has also served as an inspiration to all aspiring cricketers at domestic level of what can be achieved by showing top-class form on a consistent basis,” CSA chief Thabang Moroe was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo on Monday.

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Meanwhile, South Africa will tour India later this year, and in a bid to gear up for the tournament, CSA will be sending several players, including those who have played for the national team and those who are viewed as potential candidates, for a spin camp that will take place in Bengaluru from August 17 to 23.

Some of the players in the group include Aiden Markram, Temba Bavuma and Dane Piedt. Former national coach and current South Africa A coach Russell Domingo will head the support staff.

“We have identified Aiden Markram, Zubayr Hamza and Temba Bavuma as key Proteas batsmen to benefit from this project and we have also included some of our potential stars of the future such as Janneman Malan and Sinethemba Qeshile, who have already both played for the Proteas, as well as Matthew Breetzke,” Moroe said.

“The batting group is completed by two of our most consistent runs scorers in franchise cricket in Pieter Malan and Edward Moore. The bowling group is headed by the experience of Dane Piedt and includes highly promising talents, among them being Bjorn Fortuin, Tsepo Ndwandwa and Senuran Muthusamy.

“It is a fact that most international cricket is played on the subcontinent these days and we have to look ahead not only to the tours on the immediate horizon but the next edition of the World Cup in India in 2023.”

Batsmen for spin camp: Aiden Markram, Janneman Malan, Zubayr Hamza, Matthew Breetzke, Sinethemba Qeshile, Edward Moore, Temba Bavuma, Pieter Malan.

Bowlers for spin camp: Dane Piedt, Bjorn Fortuin, Tsepo Ndwandwa, Senuran Muthusamy, Thomas Kaber, Dyllan Mathews, George Linde.

Support staff for spin camp: Russell Domingo (South Africa A coach), Ashwell Prince (batting consultant), Paul Adams (spin consultant), S Hadebe (physio), Vincent Barnes (high performance manager).