Nelson Mandela Bay Giants captain Jon-Jon Smuts is looking forward to the addition of England batsman Jason Roy for the rest of the Mzansi Super League.

Roy was recruited as the Giants’ international marquee player earlier this year – and arrived this week after a brief stint with the Bengal Tigers in Sharjah’s T10 League.

The big-hitting Englishman’s prowess was particularly evident during brisk half-centuries against Sindhis and Northern Warriors. He also boasts six ODI centuries and four T20I half-centuries. The Durban-born Roy, too, sports experience in Australia’s Big Bash League, Bangladesh Premier League, Pakistan Super League and Indian Premier League.

‘Getting a world-class player like Jason will obviously add value. Hopefully he can bring something that we’ve been looking for,’ said Smuts.

The Nelson Mandela Bay unit are second to the log-leading Cape Town Blitz in the six-team standings, having won four of their seven matches, with one washout.

Six points split the top two teams. The margin, though, would have been substantially less, had the Giants not lost to the Jozi Stars at St George’s Park in Port Elizabeth late last week.

‘You don’t become a bad side after just one game, so for us it’s been more about regrouping and ensuring we get a good performance against the Durban Heat on Wednesday,’ added Smuts.

Photo: Gallo