BURGER EXCITED ABOUT JOBURG SUPER KINGS HOMECOMING

Nandre Burger has more reason than most to be excited about the upcoming Betway SA20 League. 

The talented left-arm fast bowler is set to turn out for the Joburg Super Kings in the inaugural tournament. But the 28-year-old almost missed out on selection due to a lower back injury that had ruled him out for the majority of the previous season. 

But despite not playing for almost an entire year, the Joburg Super Kings were prepared to take a risk on the southpaw.

It seems like the gamble will reap dividends in the upcoming Betway SA20 League with Burger returning to fitness and form for Six Gun Grill Western Province in the Cricket SA 1-Day Cup where he picked up nine wickets in just five matches at an average of 22.88.

“I am grateful for an opportunity, and really excited to be playing in the inaugural SA20 to see what it brings for everyone,” Burger said. 

“It was a really tough couple of months, not even being able to train. I couldn’t even leave the house. It was tough mentally, but I am back bowling now and back to my best bowling.” 

Burger is fast approaching the form that saw him earn a maiden call-up to the Proteas Men’s T20 squad for the tour to Pakistan back in January 2021. 

Unfortunately Burger missed out on a full international debut on that tour, and has since slipped down the pecking order in terms of national selection again. 

But he is fully aware that a couple of eye-catching performances for the Joburg Super Kings in the Betway SA20 will no doubt attract the attention of the national selectors again. 

“If I am 100 percent honest, I feel like it (the Pakistan tour) has been forgotten. I sometimes even have to remind myself that I was that close not too long ago,” Burger said. 

“It feels like it was one of those forgotten tours. It is important therefore to keep pushing, and keep driving.”

Furthermore, Burger, who is originally from Krugersdorp in Gauteng, is champing at the bit at the prospect of charging in at his former homeground the Wanderers and being reunited with Joburg Super Kings bowling coach Eric Simons.

“I definitely feel like it’s a homecoming. It’s where I grew up playing my cricket. It’s a ground where I used to go watch cricket as a kid,” he said. 

“I have heard great things about (JSK coach) Stephen Fleming, but I’ve also worked with Eric (Simons, JSK bowling coach) in the past. The last time I worked with him my game improved so much in the space of a month. I’m looking forward to how much my game can grow.”