A brief, entertaining cameo

It’s great to have finally played some part in the good run of the Chennai Super Kings, even though it was a small one. Make no mistake, though, I’m not going to play down my catch, even though I was only on the field for a short time!

Cameron White, caught in the deep by yours truly, off the bowling of my old mate, Albie Morkel, as the Deccan Chargers lost their way and we won our third game in a row.

I’ve been dying to get on the field and make a contribution. So, I’ve been pushing my teammates to take a break and let me come on and field. At last, Dougie Bollinger had to come off and go to the toilet and on I went on to the field against the Chargers. What happens? The very first ball I’m on the field, White hits the ball down my throat at long-off.

I was back off the field directly after that, but it’s fair to say it was a brief, but entertaining little cameo. It felt great to make a small contribution and it actually started their collapse, in our eventual 19-run victory. But, perhaps the best part is that I picked up the award for the catch-of-the-game. It’s worth about 2 000 US dollars and it’s quite funny that I snuck in and stole someone’s money, with just one ball!

I think we’re in great shape now, in the top three after nine games and having won four in a row. I think it’s getting to that stage now where the top teams are starting to show themselves and it’s no surprise to me that the Mumbai Indians are at the top. They are a very dangerous side. There are still plenty of games remaining, but I expect ourselves, Mumbai and the Kolkata Knight Riders to be there and thereabouts when it comes to crunch time.

Having not got a starting place in any of Chennai’s games so far, I’ve been doing a fair amount of 12th man duty. Due to the big squad, there’s usually about six guys sharing the 12th man duties and everyone is pretty good about it, except Scott Styris.

We think he’s trying to be part of the management team, so he’ll catch balls and hit balls, while the rest of us are running around doing the dirty work. There’s a theory that he’s got his eye on a coaching job, so we’ve given him quite a bit of stick. In fact, myself and Tim Southee clapped the other day when he brought drinks on for the first time!

From the outside, the IPL may look like fun and games, but I can tell you that it’s serious cricket. There’s plenty to play for and with so many international players involved, you’re not going to get anyone taking their foot off the gas. Never mind the big money up for grabs, there’s also the Champions League to play for and that’s another lucrative competition.

As part of my ongoing commentary on my teammates, I’m going to tell you a little about Dougie Bollinger, who’s quite a loudmouth. There’s never a quiet moment with him in the changeroom and he fancies himself as a bit of a prankster, which keeps everyone on their toes. He’s a good guy to have in the dressing room.

The two Sri Lankans, Nuwan Kulasekara and Suraj Randiv are pretty quiet and keep to themselves, as do the Indian guys. But they’re all really nice guys. I feel like I’ve got to know them, but not on a close personal level.

Coach Stephen Fleming is nice and consistent and a calming influence. Yes, he’s happy when we win and grumpy when we lose, but I don’t expect anything less. Technically, I’ve been very impressed with him and he’s a very good manager of different players. I liked the way he took a couple of weeks to assess my technique, before making suggestions, which he’s now done.

Away from the field, we had a good trip to a leather factory about an hour’s drive away in an industrial area. Quite fascinating to see that they get their leather from New Zealand. Albie and I took the opportunity to put in a few orders for leather jackets and bags. A nice break from the cricket.

Before I go, a word on the Bulls rugby team. Albie and I are quite relieved that they are back on the winning trail, beating the Chiefs last week. Albie is the bigger Bulls fan of the two of us and he keeps me up-to-date on what’s been going on with them.

Let’s hope both the Bulls and the Super Kings can keep winning.