In a surprise move Warriors wicketkeeper-batsman Mark Boucher has taken over the captaincy of the Eastern Cape franchise team for the rest of the season and will lead the team against the Titans at Centurion in a four-day SuperSport match starting Thursday.
According to coach Mickey Arthur, the Warriors are halfway through the first year of a three-year building period and they are anxious to team-build now, after the first half of the SuperSport series in which the team failed to win any of their five matches.
In an unselfish gesture, former skipper, batsman and left-arm spinner Pieter Strydom (35) has decided to stand down to allow younger players a chance to display their talents.
He will, however, be available for all of the Warriors’ Pro20 series matches which start in April.
Another reason for Strydom’s decision is that he is contemplating retiring from all cricket at the end of the season.
Allrounder Robin Peterson has been appointed vice-captain of the team.
Boucher has captained Border and even South Africa in Tests on the odd occasion and is a positive thinker and player on the field.
Having been involved with the Proteas for the past seven years, he is sure to take what he has learnt from international play into the series to the eventual benefit of the Warriors.
Allrounder Justin Kreusch, with a calf injury, is unavailable for the match while fast bowler Monde Zondeki – on the comeback trail after injury – will turn out for Border against Northerns in a three-day match starting on Thursday.
Warriors: Mark Boucher (capt), Carl Bradfield, Mark Bruyns, Burton de Wett, Laden Gamiet, Mornantau Hayward, Tyron Henderson, Arno Jacobs, Brent Kops, Robin Peterson, Steven Pope. 12th man: Abongile Sodumo. Coach: Mickey Arthur. – Sapa