CONTRASTING FORTUNES FOR COBRAS AND WARRIORS AS they contemplate their position at the bottom of the Sunfoil Series table, it could be easy for the Nashua Cape Cobras to imagine that this simply isn’t going to be their season in the four-day format. The defending champions are yet to win a game in the competition and have had the core ripped out of their side by various call-ups, but coach Paul Adams is remaining upbeat and focusing his energy on developing the new players as they head to St. George’s Park to take on the resurgent Chevrolet Warriors on Thursday. The Cobras have five players on duty with the Proteas and South Africa A, and will be missing a sixth in Mthokozisi Shezi this week as the fast bowler takes a much-needed rest to nurse a minor injury niggle ahead of the one-day games against the England Lions. With so many new players coming in, Adams is looking to restore the team collective that helped to capture the Sunfoil Series trophy in the last two seasons. “In four-day cricket you need the unit to be functioning and working hard together - it’s not one or two individual performances that win you the competition, it’s a collective as a team,” he said. “So it’s important that we get everyone up to speed with that and make sure that we improve going forward.” The good news for the Cobras is that Justin Kemp has regained fitness and will return in place of Shaheen Khan. Meanwhile, Aviwe Mgijima will replace Shezi. While the Cobras have been on a downward trajectory, the Warriors are on their way up. After a solid draw against the Dolphins before Christmas in new coach Malibongwe Maketa’s first game, the Warriors notched up their first win of the competition last week. “We had a bit of a sit-down and a re-plan - almost like a mini pre-season - when he took over, which has just focused the guys,” said captain, Colin Ingram. “He’s a good people’s person so he’s getting the best out of the guys, which is good to see for a coach.” Batsman Somila Seyibokwe picked up a hamstring injury in last week’s win and Colin Ackermann will miss Thursday’s game due to a family bereavement, but Simon Harmer may return for the Warriors. HEAD TO HEAD – Chevrolet Warriors vs. Nashua Cape Cobras Matches Played 20 Warriors Win 04 Cobras Win 11 Draw 05
Posted on: Thu, 15 Jan 2015 06:55:20 +0000
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