Du Plessis excited about Caribbean debut

Cape Town, May 18 (IANS) South Africa's star batsman Faf du Plessis has said he is excited about the chance to play in the Caribbean for the first time as he prepares to represent country and club in two major tournaments.

Du Plessis, 31, will feature in the Proteas squad for their forthcoming tour of the Caribbean and will then captain the Patriots in the fourth edition of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), reports CMC.

South Africa are playing in the tri-nation tournament set to run from June 3-26 which also involves 50-over World Cup champions Australia and the West Indies.

“When you look at the amount of international Test, ODI and T20 cricket that’s being played around the world, it’s funny to think that this will be the first time that I will get to play in the West Indies,” said du Plessis on Tuesday.

“I guess you could say that it has been a long time coming, but I’m really excited to finally be playing in the Caribbean".

Du Plessis has featured in T20 franchise tournaments across the world including the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Big Bash.

He was playing for Rising Pune Supergiants in the ongoing IPL till he got injured and was ruled out of the tournament last month.

He enjoys a T20 career average of 37.68 in 35 games to date at an impressive strike rate of 132.64.

“I’ve heard nothing but good things about the CPL. Off the field, the Caribbean people are great fans and provide an incredible atmosphere, which I have yet to fully experience,” said the South African cricketer.

“And this year, on it, I think the competition is going to grow from strength to strength with a really high calibre of players across each of the six teams."

The fourth edition of the CPL is scheduled to take place between 29 June - 7 August.

Du Plessis will lead the St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots when they open their campaign against Guyana Amazon Warriors on June 30th.

“Any tournament who can attract top class ‘marquee’ players is obviously one that’s on the rise, and when you look across all six CPL squads, there’s a heck of a lot of talent there,” he said.

“The West Indies culture is different but no less passionate, I’m sure, and it’s one of the biggest reasons why I wanted to come and play here. I’ve had a small taste of the Big Bash, and this is the next chapter in my career”.