Proteas ace Andile Phehlukwayo says he is embracing the challenge of being a marquee player in Mzansi Super League (MSL) 2.0 rather than thinking about it as an extra responsibility.
The 23-year-old was snapped up as the main South African player for the Durban Heat this season, replacing Hashim Amla.
Alex Hales will be the international marquee player alongside Phehlukwayo, whose full team was recently finalised ahead of the competition in November. The big all-rounder says he is looking forward to the new role.
Phehlukwayo only recently returned from India where he played for the Proteas in their drawn Twenty20 International Series against the hosts.
He is currently playing for the Dolphins in their season-opening 4-Day Domestic Series encounter against the Titans in Centurion.
However, in November, the attention will shift to the blockbuster league, which will enter its second season and be broadcast live on SABC from November 8.
Phehlukwayo is looking forward to working with the legendary opener.
Another exciting prospect for Phehlukwayo was the opportunity to play in the same side as explosive England batsman, Hales.
The opener comes into the Heat squad as an alternative for Afghanistan spin sensation Rashid Khan in 2019. The Durban-born star is looking forward to it.
Last season, the Heat boasted one of the best squads on paper, but ended up finishing last on the table with just three wins from 10 games.
Phehlukwayo hopes things will be different this time around after the Durban side made some of the biggest changes from all six squads, including the additions of Malusi Siboto, Ravi Bopara and Wihan Lubbe.
The Heat begin MSL 2.0 with a clash against the Tshwane Spartans on Saturday, November 9, exactly a month from today.
All matches will be broadcast exclusively live on SABC. – Report by Thahir Asmal
