WHAT’S ON COBRAS

THE CAPE COBRAS are currently riding the crest of a wave, but captain Dane Piedt believes it has not happened by chance. After three rounds of first-class action, the Cobras have a 100% record with three victories to propel them to the top of the 4-Day Franchise Series standings with 75.52 points.

This week’s crushing eight-wicket victory had even greater significance, with the Cobras beating the defending champions, the Titans, in their own backyard.

“It was an important win. They had a couple of current Test players in their lineup and a good leg-spinner, so their bases were covered. But the boys are putting in the hard work and relishing being out in the field. Perhaps it was a blessing in disguise that I lost the toss because I probably would have batted, but the bowlers responded well to put them under early pressure,” Piedt, pictured

above, said.

The Cobras’ bowling unit has certainly been the bed-rock of their success thus far.

Not only have they claimed all 60 wickets on offer this season, but they have placed the Cobras in the ascendancy with magnificent first innings performances. “It really has been unbelievable,” Piedt said. “We don’t have the most experienced of bowling attack, but each time they have stepped up and done the business. I told them at the beginning of the season that we are going to have to spend more time in the field than the opposition if we are to win this competition, and instead of fearing this challenge, the boys have embraced it. The guys come to the field knowing the hard work and effort that is required to take 20 wickets and that has shown this season.”

Although the Malan brothers (Janneman and Pieter, pictured above) have both been among the runs – 248 at 49.60 and 235 at 47.00 – along with rookie David Bedingham (245 at 61.25), while Tladi Bokako is second on the wicket-takers list with 16 scalps at 22.06, the Cobras have further reason to smile this season. The re-emergence of Jason Smith has everyone at Newlands walking a little bit lighter again. The former Wynberg Boys’ High School prodigy is an exciting talent, who has represented South Africa A already, but seemed to have lost his way last season.

It was debatable whether Smith was even going to be included the Cobras starting line-up this season, but the departure of Wayne Parnell on a Kolpak has allowed Smith to resurrect his fledgling career once again. The 24-year-old has grasped his opportunities with both hands over the past couple of weeks with the all-rounder making telling contributions with both bat and ball.

“Jason has certainly come of age. He has matured as a batsman. And he is playing like the Jason we all know, the one that has all the talent in the world to play for South Africa,” Piedt said. “His 92 in the second innings at SuperSport (Park) was crucial to the outcome of the game. It is not easy batting with the tail, but he showed great maturity.”