Birmingham: New Birmingham Phoenix captain Donovan Ferreira has heaped praise on Pakistan off-spinner Usman Tariq and is optimistic about his side’s chances in The Hunter despite losing two key players ahead of the opening game.
The South African all-rounder, who joined the Birmingham Phoenix squad for this year’s tournament, received an unexpected birthday present when he was named captain after England all-rounder Jacob Bethel was ruled out through injury.
Ferreira was informed that Bethel would lose the match, prompting the franchise to hand him the captaincy. The wicketkeeper-batsman earlier led South Africa during the T20I series against Pakistan last year.
Speaking exclusively Jio News Ahead of Birmingham Phoenix’s opening clash against local rivals Trent Rockets at Edgbaston, Ferreira admitted Bethel’s absence was a significant setback but insisted the team had quickly refocused.
“It’s unfortunate that Jacob Bethel failed not only as a batsman but also as a leader in the team. Obviously, these unexpected things happen from time to time and it’s something we have to deal with.
“It’s important for us to go as fast as we can and focus on the challenge ahead. I’m grateful to be the leader of this team and I’ll do it to the best of my ability and give 100 percent to everything I do.”
Birmingham Phoenix have suffered yet another injury with Bangladesh left-arm fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman ruled out of the tournament. However, Ferreira believes the squad has enough quality and depth to be competitive.
“The coaches have done very well. Although it is not easy to replace players like Jacob, we have put together a very strong team. I have full support from the coaches to lead the team and it is important that we continue to support each other.
“We have a great team. We will see how the matches unfold, but we are clear on the way we want to play. We will play some fantastic cricket and support each other 100 per cent.”
One of Birmingham Phoenix’s major signings was Pakistan off-spinner Usman Tariq, who was picked up in The Hundred Draft for £140,000. Tariq has already impressed in English conditions while representing Warwickshire Bears in the T20 Blast.
Recalling the spinner’s international debut during South Africa’s tour of Pakistan, Ferreira admitted he was relieved to have Tariq by his side instead of facing him.
“When we toured Pakistan, we analyzed him when he made his debut and we didn’t know what to expect from him. I’m grateful to have him in our squad because I won’t have to face him in The Hundred.
“Playing at the Blast has helped him understand the English conditions. He has bowled a lot at this venue and enjoyed success here. I am excited to see what he brings to the team and I have no doubt he will succeed.”
Although this is Ferreira’s first season with Birmingham Phoenix, he is no stranger to The Hundred. He previously represented Oval Invincibles, helping the team lift the title before it was renamed MI Oval.
The South African praised the atmosphere of the match, describing it as one of his favorite matches.
“This is my third year at The Hundred. I spent the last two seasons with The Oval and winning the tournament definitely made the experience even more interesting,” he said.
“The stadiums are always packed and the support behind each team is incredible. As players, we feel like we have an entire army behind us, so we have a responsibility to represent the badge and the supporters.
“I love The Hundred. It’s one of my favorite tournaments and I’m looking forward to playing for a new team and in a new city this year,” he concluded.