EXCLUSIVE | Hendricks itching to reach three figure mark as Lions brace for first home fixture

Lions 4-Day Series captain Dominic Hendricks believes a big score is just around the corner, having not yet reached a century despite hitting the half-century mark every time he has batted this season.

Hendricks has been key to the Lions’ successful start, contributing not only with his leadership skills on the field but also with his form at the top of the order, as the Lions have won two games and drawn one thus far.

The 34-year-old has scored four half-centuries in the four innings the Lions have played this season but has yet to convert a start into a big score. Hendricks admitted he was disappointed not to have gone on to a bigger total in the first three games but remains hopeful.

“I had this conversation with Russell the other day, and he said to me, if at the start of the season or before the season started, you had started the way you did, you wouldn’t be upset about that. So, I’m really pleased about it,” Hendricks told Independent Newspapers.

“There was a massive opportunity last week against the Titans to get a big century or even a double century. I think I let myself down with how I got out more than anything. In the weeks before, I got nicked off, so there were a couple of good balls from the bowlers, but last week was quite a soft dismissal by my own account.

“I’m disappointed that I haven’t gone on to get that big score yet, but I’ve no doubt it’s coming around the corner. I feel really good at the moment, and I don’t want to get ahead of myself, but if I have another opportunity this week, I’m sure I can convert it.”

The Lions take on the North West Dragons at Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg this week, with Day One scheduled to get underway at 10am on Tuesday.

Heavy rain over the past three days in Johannesburg has disrupted practice sessions, but Hendricks believes the squad will still be ready.

“We’ve played a lot of cricket in the last three weeks. I think us and the Dolphins are the only teams actually playing four weeks in a row. In terms of training and preparation, we’ve actually had a lot of time off,” Hendricks said.

“Monday has actually been the only day we’ve trained since playing on Friday, so I’m not really worried. We’re in competition now, so it’s about topping up the day before and hitting the ground running on Tuesday.

“The biggest thing when these games come thick and fast is making sure your body is ready, and number two, that you’re mentally fresh for whatever challenges present themselves over the next couple of days.”

In other fixtures this week, the Warriors will travel to SuperSport Park to face a wounded Titans, while the Tuskers and Western Province will host Boland and the Dolphins, respectively.