Durban – Hollywoodbets Dolphins all-rounders Sibz Makhanya and Eathan Bosch have both been included in the South African Emerging Squad for their upcoming series against their Sri Lankan counterparts from 29 June to 28 July.

The team that has been selected is made up of players that are part of the current three-year cycle of the CSA Powerade National Academy.

Both players were heavily involved in the Dolphins run to the Momentum One Day Cup final and the CSA T20 Franchise Series semi-final this season and Bosch was the stand-out player for the Dolphins in their CSA 4-Day Franchise Series.

The tall seamer took 31 wickets in the four day series, the fourth most in the competition.

Makhanya, who has played a number of crucial innings for the Dolphins, was consistent in his performances in red ball cricket and finished with just over 500 runs in the competition which included three fifties and one hundred.

The team will play in a triangular series with Sri Lanka and the South African Universities (USSA) team. This will be followed by two four-day games against the touring Sri Lankans.

It has been a quick turn-around for Sibz Makhanya from when the season finished but he is already in preparation for his time with the CSA National Academy and the Emerging side.

“I’ve had a little bit of time off and I am feeling refreshed and excited about the opportunity to be involved in the SA Emerging side to play Sri Lanka,” Makhanya said.

“I know most, if not all, of the guys from times in academies, national sides as well as playing against them so I am excited to reconnect with the guys in Pretoria.”

Having a busy winter period can do a lot of players the world of good and Makhanya is looking forward to bouncing ideas off the other players and coaches during his time up on the Highveld.

“To have other people and perspectives looking at my game will be great. I am looking forward to working with other coaches and also learning from the other players along the way.

“This tour can only benefit my game and I am really looking forward to it.”

The Emerging side will face up to what is often an unknown in the form of Sri Lanka. They will come with a strong spin attack and on the dusty Highveld wickets the test will be a good one.

“They are always highly skilled and will be strong across the field so I am excited by the opportunity and am going to make the most of my time there,” Makhanya added.

The tri-series starts with the SA Emerging side taking on their Sri Lankan counter-parts on Saturday, 29 June.