STUBBS HAPPY TO RIDE THE WAVE OF SUNRISERS' SUCCESS

Most players when they are out of form learn towards hitting more balls to rediscover their touch.

Not Tristan Stubbs. The Sunrisers Eastern Cape star, who endured a lean patch leading up to the Betway SA20 clash against Joburg Super Kings, picked up his board and went surfing instead.

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That’s not to imply Stubbs is not a hard worker - he is indeed one of the most dedicated players on the circuit - it was more about the youngster clearing his mind.

Hitting the waves certainly had the desired effect with Stubbs back to smashing the ball to all parts as his 35 not out (22 balls, 1x2, 2x6)  at the death played a major role in the Sunrisers getting up to 165/4 - and ultimately winning the contest by 14 runs.

“It hasn't been great, I haven't been getting the runs I wanted, but the team's winning, so it's a lot better when the team's winning,” Stubbs said.

“But I actually went surfing for three and a half hours yesterday (Thursday), so I was pretty stoked. 

“It's (only) one knock, so I need to keep going, try and contribute a bit more.”

Stubbs’ mantra is very much about not complaining and getting on with the job. Therefore, nobody outside of the Sunrisers camp actually knew that the 24-year-old was struggling with a wrist ailment during the initial stages of the competition, which was hampering his batting.

“Well, I've been carrying a niggle, and I can now bat properly again. Yesterday was the first time I can actually hold the bat properly again,” he said.

“I came here earlier just to check it out, so I had a feeling today, when the weather's good here, the cricket's normally good and the crowd's going to come out, so I just had a feeling it was going to be (a good day).”

It certainly was for Stubbs and the Sunrisers, who have now moved up into second position on the SA20 table. The St George’s Park crowd, with the brass band leading the way, showed their appreciation with a boisterous display on Friday night.

Being a local, who “lives just 400m away” from the ground, Stubbs appreciates the fanatical Orange Army even more.

“I always say this is the best place to play cricket as a home team,  whether it's the Proteas or Sunrisers. When you're winning, when they're singing’ Bye Bye, Joburg’, I mean, it's just so cool to play in front of,” Stubbs said.