Highveld Lions appoint Stephen Cook as the captain for all formats

Stephen Cook has been appointed as the captain of the Highveld Lions in all the three formats for the upcoming season. The Highveld Lions Board of Directors has confirmed Cook’s appointment. Cook has been in the scheme of things for the Lions for three active seasons now, and he will be travelling with the squad for all the games (T20, One day cup and Sunfoil Series).

Dr Oupa Nkagisang, Chairperson of the Board, has shown a lot of faith in Cook’s ability to perform and provide stability to the rest of the batters in order to dominate in the upcoming cricket season. Cook has played 11 Test matches for South Africa, scoring 632 runs at an average of 33.26, along with 3 centuries and 2 fifties.

In 197 First class games, Cook has scored 13331 runs at an average of 40.03, which includes 40 centuries and 50 half centuries. In List a games, Cook has registered 5456 runs at an average of 39.25, with 10 centuries and 40 half-centuries. His last hundred came against Yorkshire at Leeds in May, where he notched up a stylish 106. He was last seen playing a good hand of unbeaten 89* against Glamorgan at Chester-le-Street, two months ago.

We have been impressed with the manner in which Stephen has been able to head up the team in a manner that is aligned to our brand and is themed with discipline, diligence and a fighting spirit,” said Nkagisang.

“We are clear in our goal to improve on the performance of last season and to put the loss of experienced players behind us. “On paper we have a talented squad that can go head to head with the best out there and we are relying on Stephen and the coaching squad to ensure that the performance on the field resembles that as well.”

The Board will later announce the appointment of the vice-captain.