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Wessels Set for Comeback PDF Print E-mail
Saturday, 06 February 2010 16:07

MID-WEST Rhinos’ batsman Riki Wessels intends to come back next season to play for the Kwekwe-based franchise after the end of the current season.
Wessels is the son of Australia and Proteas’ legend Kepler Wessels.


The South African cricketer had a successful first season with the Rhinos and has put in some outstanding performances.


In six Logan Cup matches he has scored 313 runs at an average of 34.17 for the Andy Waller-coached franchise.


Wessels has also scored 149 runs in three innings in the Faithwear One-Day competition at an average of 74.50.


In an interview with Standardsport, Wessels (24) said he was pleased with the talent he has seen on display in the domestic league.


“I am busy trying to sort out my papers so that I can return to play next season,” Wessels said.
“I really enjoyed my time here with the Rhinos and cricket has a bright future in Zimbabwe. It is not long before Test cricket returns to the country because I have seen they have got quite a few exciting young cricketers like Vusi Sibanda, Brendan Taylor and Graeme Cremer.


“If you see these guys performing like this at their age it means they will get better as they grow older.”
Wessels said the newly adopted franchise has helped the development of the sport.
“It has helped a lot because the cricketers are now playing a lot of competitive cricket regularly and a lot of former players have also returned,” he said.


“The future is good and what is needed is a bit more exposure for the cricketers by playing against quality sides.
“The first year of running a franchise is also the difficult part. But this year it has gone rather well and the challenge now is to improve on the next season.”


At the end of the Zimbabwean domestic season in March, the right-hander would return to his base in England where he is contracted to Northants County Cricket Club.


At the moment his England side is on the off-season and that is why he came to play for Mid -West Rhinos in order to remain fit.

BY NIGEL MATONGORERE