Pro20
Cobras need a team effort
2009-02-10 08:49
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Altus Momberg – Die Burger
Cape Town – The Cape Cobras should put in a team effort rather than simply rely only on their international stars to pull them through on Friday night. That is the view of usual skipper Justin Ontong before the first leg of the semifinal against the Dolphins.
South African captain Graeme Smith is back and will take the reins for this game. Herschelle Gibbs and JP Duminy will also form part of a very strong Cobras batting line-up.
Ontong warned that the rest of the players could not expect the stars to go and win the game. They also have to give it their all. That is something that often went wrong at Western Province prior to the Cobras being established.
There was the infamous SuperSport final in Benoni in 2002/03 when WP got Smith, Gibbs, Ashwell Prince and Gary Kirsten back, but lost thanks to a brilliant effort by Andrew Hall.
However, the Cobras will hope the international stars can help them to at least qualify for the final. That will allow the Cape side to participate in the Indian Champions League later this year, where the players will share $1,5 million in prize money if they win the title.
However, the Cobras’ selectors may not find it easy to pick a final eleven for the game. With Smith back in the saddle, young Richard Levi should be the obvious player to make way. However, it appears as if the Cobras could leave out one of their all-rounders in Vernon Philander and Roger Telemachus.
JP Duminy and Ontong will then have to take more responsibility with the ball. Specialist wicketkeeper Ryan Canning may also win back his place at the expense of Andrew Puttick.
A possible Cobras team: Graeme Smith (capt), Herschelle Gibbs, Henry Davids, JP Duminy, Justin Ontong, Richard Levi, Vernon Philander, Ryan Canning, Rory Kleinveldt, Claude Henderson, Charl Langeveldt.