Former Graeme College pupils, brothers Jon-Jon and Kelly Smuts, are representing local cricket franchise, the Chevrolet Warriors, at the Champions League (CCT20) tournament in India.
Features the top domestic cricket franchises from India, England, Australia, West Indies, New Zealand and South Africa and is seen as the pinnacle of first-class cricket.
Going in as one of this year’s favourites, the Warriors have started exceptionally, winning two games in a row. Having narrowly beaten Indian team, Bangalore, in their opening game, it was Grahamstown’s turn to get on to the map in the Warriors' second game against South Australia.
Former Graeme College pupils, brothers Jon-Jon and Kelly Smuts, are representing local cricket franchise, the Chevrolet Warriors, at the Champions League (CCT20) tournament in India.
Features the top domestic cricket franchises from India, England, Australia, West Indies, New Zealand and South Africa and is seen as the pinnacle of first-class cricket.
Going in as one of this year’s favourites, the Warriors have started exceptionally, winning two games in a row. Having narrowly beaten Indian team, Bangalore, in their opening game, it was Grahamstown’s turn to get on to the map in the Warriors' second game against South Australia.
Opening batsman Jon-Jon Smuts stole the spotlight with a Warriors 20/20 all-time top score of 88. The big right-hander smashed 10 fours and 2 sixes en route to his 65-ball 88 in the sweltering 39 degree Hyderabad heat.
He then capped a near-perfect day by claiming 1 for 16 in 2 overs with his wily left-arm spin.
Younger brother Kelly did not get an opportunity to play in the first game and did not bat against South Australia. However, the Smuts brothers are set to play a key role in the Warriors' success, as the Eastern Cape franchise still has much to do if they are to claim the title. The Warriors next play against the Knight Riders on Saturday.
Warwick Austin watched the game from the comfort of his sofa at home in Grahamstown, far from the soaring temperatures in India. He'll be chatting to the Smuts brothers when they return – look out for the inside story on the brothers in Grocott's Mail in the next few weeks.
You can watch the Smuts brothers in action in Saturday's match at 4.30pm on SuperSport 2.
