IN typical self-deprecating New Zealand-style, Gareth Hopkins recently referred to his Auckland Aces side as Dad’s Army. Hopkins and Aces have company now that they have qualified for Group A of the Champions League T20 proper. Two of the Group A sides, which will kick the tournament off today, can lay equal claim to be old age-wise for Twenty20 cricket.
Titans, who will be playing at their home ground, Centurion, are captained by the 38-year-old Martin van Jaarsveld. They have five other players on the wrong side of 30, including key imports Henry David and Alfonso Thomas. Fighting with the 23-year-old Eden Links for the final spinner’s slot is Paul Harris, who will be 34 in a month’s time.
Perth Scorchers are not to be left behind either. The 33-year-old Marcus North will lead them, with Paul Collingwood, Herschelle Gibbs, Simon Katich and Brad Hogg, 35-plus all of them, providing the side enough experience. Their highest wicket-taker in last BBL, Ben Edmondson, and wicketkeeper Luke Ronchi are over 30 too.
It’s an interesting start, then, to a format that is supposed to be of the young, by the young and for the young. Looking, however, at how well Aces did in the qualifying tournament, don’t consider number of years inversely proportional to the quality of cricket.
Come today, and these sides will certainly want to showcase the energy and enthusiasm of the group of Dad’s Armies.