Cebo Tshiki – finding a replacement is high on Ivybridge's agenda<br>credit: Conrad Sutcliffe - no re-use without copyright owner's consent

By CONRAD SUTCLIFFE

IVYBRIDGE are close to finding a replacement for South African batter Cebo Tshiki, who won’t be returning to Filham Park next season.

Josh ZimmermanDuring his three-season stint as Ivybridge’s overseas professional, Tshiki scored more than 2,200 league runs at an average in the low 60s, and claimed 46 wickets. He was a key part of the side that won promotion from the C Division West last summer.

Visa rules mean Tshiki cannot return to the UK in 2025 as he has not played enough domestic First-Class cricket recently to qualify. The 34-year-old from the Eastern Cape has not featured in First Class cricket since January 2022 when he made 67 for Boland in an innnings win over North West.

Kyle Abbott, the former Lewdown professional, was a team-mate in that side.

PRIORITY

Finding a replacement is a priority for promotion-winning skipper Josh Zimmerman, who said he is close to finding the right man – and looking for other new faces as well.

“We are talking to a potential overseas player to replace Cebo, but nothing is confirmed yet,” said Zimmerman.

“There have been no departures– that’s the best news for us – or no new signings to report. We are keen to get a couple on board before next year to strengthen the squad.”