Cape Town Blitz fast bowler Anrich Nortjé has already started picking up information from his hero, Dale Steyn, even though Steyn only joined the squad prior to the opening match on November 16.
Nortje shared the new ball with Steyn in the Blitz’ second Mzansi Super League match against the Durban Heat at Kingsmead.
“It’s been unbelievable sharing a dressing room with Dale. He’s just as awesome off the field as he is on the field, and it’s really been a highlight in my career to be playing with him,” he said.
“So far we’ve been focusing on game plans and plans to certain guys, which has helped me a lot.
“I think later in the tournament, I’ll try to do some skills with him and just try to improve one or two aspects of my game,” he added.
The 25-year-old showed his mettle against the Durban Heat when, after conceding 16 runs from eight balls, he ripped through the Heat’s top-order with three wickets in four balls.
He clean-bowled Morné van Wyk, Sarel Erwee and Temba Bavuma.
He followed that up with the wicket of Hashim Amla to end on figures of 4/32 from his four overs.
“I’m very happy with my contributions on the field thus far. It’s been a great start for us, and I’m really looking forward to taking the momentum into the next couple of games,” he added.
Nortjé and Steyn can form a formidable opening bowling partnership, something the former is looking forward to if it plays out that way.
“If given the new ball again with Steyn, building a good partnership between us could be crucial going forward.
If you didn't know who he was before the @MSL_T20, we are pretty sure you know him now #BlitzBrigade #CTBlitz⚡️⚡️⚡️ pic.twitter.com/9rfZN81eyh
— Cape Town Blitz (@CT_Blitz) November 19, 2018
“Good starts from a bowling perspective could mean that we can put teams under pressure early in their innings, and maybe try to restrict them as much as possible,” he stated.
The Blitz will host the Nelson Mandela Bay Giants at Newlands in their third Mzansi Super League match on Wednesday (7pm start).