Durban’s hard-hitting all-rounder Calvin Savage is preparing for a move to the Cape Cobras as embarks on the next step in his burgeoning career.
The 27-year-old expressed his excitement for the challenge that lies ahead.
“I’m at a point in my career where I’m very motivated to kick on to big honours and very excited for a new chapter in my life,” said Savage.
“I would never have thought that one day I would be able to call the Cape Cobras, Western Province and Newlands my home – it’s an opportunity I cannot wait to start.”
The former SA Under-19 all-rounder has matured in recent years, both in his personal and professional life and has recently become a father, coupled with his willingness to take on leadership roles within teams he has represented, he is able to offer Cobras coach Ashwell Prince more than just his ability with bat and ball.
“Becoming a dad and having my own little family has changed my life completely. My pressures in life are completely different from what they were when I was 22 or 23.
“Nowadays I find it a lot easier to leave my work at work and not bring home the pressures and frustrations which come with being a professional sportsman.
“But, I do now have a responsibility to my family to be the best I can be for them so that they can live the life they deserve. All in all, I would say it has definitely changed me for the best. It has made me a better person and I can feel it’s starting to show in my cricket.
“Leadership is something I’ve always wanted to be a part of in my career. Taking on that kind of responsibility helps my own game as I find it keeps me more engaged.
“As I’m sure all of us people who play the sport in a team environment want to win and helping younger players and trying to create the right team environment and the atmosphere is my way of trying to get us closer to that goal of silverware.”
Prince has stated clearly that Savage, fellow all-rounder Corbin Bosch and spinner Imraan Manack bring certain skills which will undoubtedly improve the team in the limited-overs format, and Savage is looking forward to bringing his attacking style of play to the team.
“I’ve always been a naturally attacking batsman and as I’ve improved my game, I’ve found a way to go about my innings in the best way to get my team into a winning position.
“Batting in the position I do often requires someone who can move the game forward a bit quicker, be it in white or red-ball cricket for that matter. In red-ball cricket, I often have to set us up with a total to go out and bowl a team out and win and the more time we have to bowl, the better chance we have, or I will find myself in a position where I have to play a calculated innings in chasing down a target.”
In partnership with ANA and Sports Leo
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