After making his professional debut for the Hollywoodbets Dolphins last season, SA Under 19 seamer Tristan Luus has received his first contract with the Dolphins with an eye on building on that debut in the new season.
Luus was one of the stand-out players in the SA Under 19 sides run to the semifinals at the ICC Under 19 World Cup this year and his rise has been an impressive one culminating in a professional debut for the Dolphins.
In his first match for the Dolphins Luus took 2/30 against the Tuskers in the CSA T20 Challenge and then followed that up with 1/25 against the same Tuskers side in the return match at Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium.
In the current offseason, Luus along with fellow Dolphins star Andile Simelane are part of the CSA Emerging Academy. This is another big step for the 18-year-old who continues to grow in stature.
“I’m incredibly grateful to have signed my first professional contract with the Dolphins,” Luus said.
“Not just to sign a contract at such a young age, but to sign a contract with such a prestigious team like the Dolphins is a dream come true.
“This is a big step for me, but it’s an exciting step for me and it’s all part of a bigger plan for me and for my career.”
HUNGRY FOR ACTION
After getting a taste of professional cricket in the 2023/24 season, Luus is hungry to get a bit chunk of the action when the Dolphins begin their new season later this year.
“I can’t wait for the new season, and I think there are going to be some great memories created.
“I’m excited to be making my debut in both 4-Day cricket and 50 over cricket.
“Also to just get back in that environment with the boys is exciting and with the taste I got last year, I cannot wait to get back to playing,” Luus added excitedly.
Luus has a busy offseason with the Emerging Academy and then he heads into the pre-season with the Dolphins. For the youngster, he wants to be playing as much cricket as possible as he continues to build his career.
“I want to gain a better understanding of my own game next season and I think if I can do that then it will help me achieve my bigger goals.
“Making my 4-Day and 50 Over debuts is also a big goal for me for the upcoming season.
“I want to be one of the best bowlers in South Africa. I know it’s a big goal, but I am going to work very hard to get there.”
'EXCITING YOUNG TALENT'
For Dolphins coach Imraan Khan, he’s excited by what Luus can achieve going forward.
“Tristan is an exciting young talent. He has the potential to bowl real quick and is capable with the bat as well,” Khan said.
“He’s got the right mindset and is always looking to learn. He has fit in really well into the environment.
“We’re excited to see how he progresses in his first full season with us here at the Dolphins.”
Blooding young players at the top level is crucial to strengthening the pipeline coming through and KZN Cricket CEO Heinrich Strydom feels that Luus is an important part of that pipeline.
“We’ve seen the impact that Tristan can have at an international level and we’re looking forward to his contributions to the Dolphins next season and beyond,” Strydom said.
“It’s important for us at the Dolphins to get players that have the right attributes on and off the field and we believe Tristan fits into the Dolphins mould.”