The 33-year-old joined the Knights on loan for the competition and made a valuable contribution, scoring 211 runs in his seven matches while also taking on wicketkeeping duties. His presence added much-needed stability to the batting line-up and nearly propelled the Knights into the playoffs.

His highest score was 58 against the Lions at the Wanderers in Johannesburg, while in the previous match against Boland he scored 55 at the Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein.

Reflecting on his time with the team, Hendricks told OFM Sport that he thoroughly enjoyed playing for Free State in the One-Day competition.

“I am, first and foremost, very grateful to the Knights for getting me out of my comfort zone and giving me the opportunity to play,” said Hendricks.

“Coming straight from the SA20, there wasn’t much cricket between November and the end of February, so I was more than happy to be out on the park again. As you mentioned, I was pleased to contribute with the bat a few times. Even though I didn’t score as many runs as I would have liked or play as fluently as I hoped, I’m just really happy to have helped the Knights win a couple of games.”

Hendricks also praised the team environment at the Knights and expressed confidence in their potential going forward. “The setup at the Knights is really good, and I can see that the team isn’t far off from being a successful unit,” Hendricks added.

Dominic Hendricks. Photo: Morgan Piek

“There are just a few small things missing, but there’s a lot of good happening at Free State Cricket and within the Knights setup. Massive kudos to coach JP Triegaardt for what he’s trying to build there. I’m very thankful for the opportunity to work with him again—I last worked with him at the national academy, so it was great to reconnect.”

Hendricks will return to Bloemfontein shortly for the Lions' CSA 4-Day match against the Knights at the Mangaung Oval.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek