Ackermann's all-round skills boost Warriors

With the 2018 season just a matter of weeks away, Colin Ackermann has prepared extremely well by being in great form for Warriors.

After having three weeks off between the end of the English summer and the start of the season in South Africa, Ackermann opened in sublime form by recording two centuries and a fifty in his opening three first-class fixtures. He has scored 356 runs at a superb average of 89.00. 

Since then Ackermann has played in the RamSlam tournament for a Warriors side that reached the semi-finals before going down to Titans. 

In the T20 tournament, Ackermann was the second leading run-scorer for the Warriors. He made 263 runs in ten fixtures at a strike rate of over 126 included a top score of 74.

Ackermann has taken 10 wickets in the Momentum One Day Cup so far and his Warriors side have reached the final where they are currently playing Dolphins. Ackermann’s performances have included an unbeaten half-century and four-wicket haul in the same game. 

The all-rounder attributes some of his good form to his summer in England. He said: “I knew it would be a massive challenge in my first season but I made massive strides and can honestly say I am a better player for it.

“The T20 Blast was a definite highlight, reaching the quarter finals was awesome but I'm confident next year we can go one better. We have a great mix of experience and young talent which bodes well for the future.

“I am very excited to work with [new Head Coach] Paul Nixon. I am really looking forward to see what ideas he brings to the team environment and how we going to move forward as a club. He has had great success as a player so I'm sure he will bring that into our changing room.”

Ackermann had a solid opening campaign representing Leicestershire CCC. Although injury restricted his Royal London One-Day Cup campaign to one appearance, Ackermann scored 618 runs at an average of just over 32 in first-class cricket and 255 runs at an average of 28 in T20 Blast. 

Upon reflecting on his first season at the Fischer County Ground, Ackermann had a few observations about the bowling he faced.

“The main difference is the ball used,” he said. “In England we use a Dukes ball which swings significantly more and longer than a Kookaburra ball, which we use in South Africa. 

“The Kookaburra ball goes softer much quicker meaning bowlers need an extra yard of pace to keep the batsmen honest. There are different challenges that you have to face.

“In England the bowlers can settle into a fuller length as the ball moves around more. The bowlers look for an edge whereas in South Africa bowlers tend to use the bouncer far more to keep the batsmen guessing.”

Ackermann will now continue with his domestic season and return to England at the end of March to begin preparations for the 2018 domestic season. 

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