HD Ackerman joins Warriors by Peter Martin

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Player:

HD Ackerman

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DateLine: 29th March 2006

 

EAST LONDON, South Africa - Cape Cobras batsman and former Lions and Western Province captain HD Ackerman will turn out for the Warriors cricket team next (southern) summer.'

 

A powerful middle-order stroke-maker, Ackerman will certainly beef up the batting line-up of the Warriors, who struggled all season to put up totals of any substance.

 

He is also sure to be an asset in limited-overs matches as he is a free-scoring batsman when set and an excellent fielder.

 

Ackerman, 33, represented South Africa in four Tests in 1997-98 — two against Pakistan two against Sri Lanka — after some high-scoring feats for Western Province. His highest score for SA was 57.

 

He toured England with South Africa A in 1996, scoring 447 runs (ave 40.63) with four half-centuries.

 

Ackerman played for the Highveld Lions in 2004-05 and the Cape Cobras this past season.

 

Warriors coach Russell Domingo is excited about Ackerman’s signing. "We are delighted to have HD on board and I am looking forward to working with him," Domingo said from Prot Elizabeth on Wednesday.

 

"He is a high quality player and an astute tactician of the game and his experience in winning competitions will be of huge benefit to the game." The chairman of Cricket Eastern Cape, Raymond Uren, said that the Board were "looking forward to welcoming Ackerman to the ranks of the Warriors. His vast experience playing at the highest level and his obvious cricketing ability will assist in improving the fortunes of the Warriors".

 

In all first-class cricket Ackerman has scored 8 600 runs (average 41.74) with a highest of 202 not out with 22 centuries.

 

He is currently in England preparing for the 2006 County season where he represents Leicestershire.

 

March 2006

 

(Article: Copyright © 2006 Peter Martin)