Cobras look for revenge
The Highveld Lions’ defence of their Four-Day Domestic Series title will come under immediate threat today as they host the Cape Cobras, their closest challengers from last season, with their great rivals coming up from the south to take them on in Potchefstroom.
The Lions snatched the crown from the Cobras’ grasp last season as they won the four-day competition as the sun was setting in Potchefstroom last January, and the visitors will undoubtedly be out to settle a score.
It will be important for the Lions to start well.
“The Cobras against the Lions is always exciting and it’s two teams that are used to winning trophies. None of the players are going to need extra motivation, but we’re just trying to concentrate on what we can achieve and on executing our skills. We know that everyone is chasing us now and we are under no illusions that the other teams are weaker than us.
“This year’s competition is going to be tougher and we need to be better prepared. But we’re looking forward to getting going on Monday with a lot of excitement,” Wandile Gwavu (above), who is standing in as Lions head coach while Enoch Nkwe is with the national team, told The Citizen.
Despite the absence of South African Test players Temba Bavuma, Kagiso Rabada and Rassie van der Dussen, competition is tough when it comes to places in the Lions side. Kagiso Rapulana has won a batting spot ahead of Omphile Ramela, who has fitness issues, and Nono Pongolo and Aaron Phangiso could be competing for one spot with Bjorn Fortuin likely to be the frontline spinner.
A pace attack of Malusi Siboto, Beuran Hendricks and Migael Pretorius can be backed by both Dwaine Pretorius and Wiaan Mulder, and Gwavu said the penetration of their attack would be a particular focus this season.
“We’ve had a look at how we have been bowling and specifically at taking 20 wickets because we weren’t at our best in that department last season. We scored 14 hundreds with the bat, and yes you need runs on the board, but taking 20 wickets is going to be vital for us this season.
“But I’m very comfortable that we have the strike bowlers, we can either go with four fast bowlers and two spinners or five pacemen and one spinner,” Gwavu said.