Cricket Cranes have regrouped to commence training as they continue preparations for the second round of the Challenge League B in Jersey in September.
The Cricket Cranes took a two-week break after their tour to Namibia and will get back to business as they work on the lessons from Namibia.
The Namibia tour was not very easy for the team, falling to the hosts in both formats of the game; losing 3-nil in the T20s, and losing both 50 over games.
The tour to a higher-ranked nation like Namibia gave Cricket Cranes a lot of reflection across all departments. The hosts played very high-tempo games and were always able to recover even when their backs were against the wall.
There were players who went to Namibia on the back of some good form but failed to show up such as Saud Islam, Roger Mukasa, and Hamu Kayondo, and the team captain Arnold Otwani who seemed overwhelmed by the responsibility of keeping wickets while focusing on his primary run-scoring role.
While the batting was average the bowling was a touch below average with only Dinesh Nakrani clever enough to always put up a fight. Coach Laurence Mahatlane and his technical will need to find a way of optimizing what he has to make sure they can at least get 10 wickets per game at minimum cost.
The biggest disappointment should have been the fielding, the cricket cranes put down at least 10 chances over the five games a feat that should disappoint the whole unit.
As the team prepares to resume full-time training, head coach Laurence Mahatlane believes this is what the team needs to do.
The main focus will be upping our skills and our conditioning. Consistency in executing our skills is also crucial. We hoping to have at least one more tour and awaiting the CEO for confirmation.
Laurence Mahatlane
He also mentioned that there are opportunities to change the team personnel to make sure they have the right players to compete.
I believe we will give more opportunities. Also, remember there were a few players that could not make the Namibia tour for various reasons guys like Masaba, Shazaad, Bilal, Deus.
Laurence Mahatlane.
The Cricket Cranes have got to get in shape for the second round of the Challenge League while also preparing for the T20 World Cup qualifiers at the back end of the year.
There is a planned visit by Takashinga Cricket Club around July and this could be the final test for the team before going to Jersey.