Spinners crucial in Dolphins strategy
GOLD Coast hope a dominant performance today can bring them a twofold result.
The Dolphins resume their two-day match against South Brisbane with a 119-run lead in hand, having rolled the visitors for a mere 86 late last Saturday.
“I don’t think they passed the follow-on so we do have the option of sending them back in,” said playing coach Damian Wallis.
“Nick Stevens is captain so it will come down to what he wants to do, whether we want to send them straight back in or whether we want to try to get some quick runs and then maybe spin to win later.”
Spinners Daniel Doran and Matt Kuhnemann had plenty of success on a turning Bill Pippen Oval track last weekend and could play a key role again today.
If the Dolphins can pull off an outright victory, not only will they receive crucial bonus points but they will land an added blow to the confidence of Souths who will host them tomorrow in a one-dayer at Norman Gray Oval.
Gold Coast and Souths will welcome back Queensland allrounders Michael Neser and Ben Cutting, respectively, for the shortened format.
But first is first – and Wallis knows how important it is to capitalise today on their strong position.
“It could be a wet summer so points are crucial and when we get a chance to do it (go for an outright) you may as well try to go for it,” he said.
Wallis complimented Stevens’ effort in his first crack at the captaincy and said he would only improve with more opportunities whenever Neser is on Bulls duties.
– CONNOR O’BRIEN