By this stage of last season in franchise first-class cricket in SA‚ victory had been celebrated on nine occasions more than it was a summer later. Of the 15 matches played since the 2017-18 campaign started on September 19‚ only one has been won or lost. Just five of the first 15 games last season ended inconclusively. A total of 30 franchise first-class matches were played last season. Eleven were drawn — in only one more than half as many games this summer. Rain? Two days were washed out in last season’s first 15 games‚ five days this time round with play on another limited to 28.3 overs. But that does not fully explain what happened. Perhaps timing really is everything. Only once in the franchise era has the season started earlier than this one — in 2009-10, when the first ball was bowled on September 17. That did not stop six victories from being rung up in the first 15 games‚ albeit in November that three of them were achieved. Even so‚ might the spring start to this summer be...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.