Good luck to Leus

This afternoon, Leus du Plooy will play in the semi-final of the SA20 for Joburg Super Kings, after his batting was a major factor on them getting to this stage.

There are a lot of very fine batters on display in the competition, but the Derbyshire captain has looked very much at home in such elite company. 

I am hopeful that this summer will see him truly emerge in all formats as a player of the highest calibre. There have been times since his emergence over here when he has looked that way, but others when his footwork has been hesitant and his scores disappointing as a result.

For me, he's always looked a better player when he has gone for his shots, rather than when occupation of the crease has been more the order of the day. Perhaps 'Bazball' might be his natural home and his ability to score runs around 360° makes him a very dangerous customer.

His first season of captaincy will be interesting. Some players thrive on the additional responsibility, while others struggle to maintain their standards when they also have to think about other players.

Leus has some experienced cricketers to lean on and I think the new role could be the making of him. In what should be an exciting batting lineup, runs should not be an issue for the side and we could see the blossoming of player and county.

It promises to be very exciting.