Interviews
BROAD PICKS "HIDDEN GEM" TOPLEY TO TOP WICKET-TAKER LIST
Former England fast bowler Stuart Broad has backed Durban’s Super Giants’ “hidden gem” Reece Topley to be among the leading wicket-takers in Betway SA20 Season 2.
Broad has flown out from London this week to form part of the SuperSport commentary team and has already been captured by the unique atmosphere of Betway SA20.
Stuart Broad catches up with long-time England teammate Jos Buttler before the Paarl Royals vs Joburg Super Kings match.
“I watched the tournament from back home. Loved what I saw. Great colour, brilliant batting and great entertainment,” said Broad.
“I was at Newlands last night to watch MI Cape Town. It was a great atmosphere. It was a sea of blue. Great to be in Paarl now, home of the Paarl Royals, and see them continue their great form.”
Broad, 37, is a former ICC T20 World Cup winner having been part of England’s maiden success in the Caribbean in 2010.
He can therefore fully appreciate the standard of cricket on display at Betway SA20.
“First, and foremost, it has great players. This ensures the cricket is high quality. There are stars from all around the world. International players and young players are both lighting up the tournament,” he said.
“It’s great to see in Season 2 players like (Heinrich) Klaasen just carrying on the form he showed at the World Cup. He is playing match-winning knocks. The talent on show draws you in as a cricket fan to want to watch.”
Staying true to his fast-bowling roots - Broad retired with 847 international wickets - he unsurprisingly backed DSG opening bowler Topley to make a big impression.
“I think the hidden gem is Reece Topley with Durban’s Super Giants. He’s struggled with injuries the last couple of years, but he is a natural wicket-taker. He is 6 foot 6 inches, left-armer, bowls with different angles, and slower balls into the pitch.
“If he can stay fit, and play the whole tournament, he is someone that has a real chance to be top of the wicket-takers standings just because of his natural wicket-taking ability and style of bowling.”
Broad will be travelling all around the country with the commentary team where he will visit two of his favourite grounds in Newlands and the Wanderers.
