Peterson eyes Test return

Left-arm spinner Peterson played the last of his six Tests when he turned out against Bangladesh in Chittagong in March 2008.

However, the 32-year-old Peterson, after being in and out of the South Africa set-up came to the fore during the World Cup as he ended as the Proteas’ top wicket-taker in the tournament as he nabbed 15 wickets at an average of just 15.86.

Peterson, who was named by the South African cricket annual as one of their five cricketers of the year on Tuesday, said that one of his goals this year is to fight his way back into the test team.

“Obviously I want to play Test cricket,” Peterson told reporters.

“The ultimate is to play Test cricket for South Africa. I have set myself certain goals this year and I know what I need to do and where I need to go. I’ve worked hard this winter and if I can achieve my goals I could be really close (for selection to the test team),” he explained.

Peterson pointed to South Africa’s relatively long tail in the Test batting line-up as an area where he could hopefully make a difference.

“I’m not going to change the way I bowl but my batting is something where I can contribute a little bit more and it can give me an edge when it comes to Test cricket.

“Dale Steyn batting at eight might be a bit high and maybe it’s a role that another all-rounder can fulfil which will lengthen the batting,” he said.

But before Peterson can focus on making the Test team there is the small matter of his, and his team the Nashua Mobile Cape Cobras’ participation in the Champions League Twenty20 (CLT20) which is set to get underway on September 19 in India.

The Cobras qualified for the tournament after winning the last edition of the Standard Bank Pro20 and Peterson is confident that the Western Cape-based franchise has the skills needed to do well in the CLT20.

“I think we’ve got a well balanced team. We have got a team that can play in all types of Indian conditions. That will always be a plus for us because when we are under pressure we can throw the ball to anyone and we have batsmen who play spin well and play fast bowling well.

“I think we have a reasonable chance but it is all about how you start. It’s a short tournament so you can’t afford to slip up in your first two games otherwise you are going to be under pressure,” he said.

The Cobras’ task will not be an easy one as they are grouped with the Chennai Super Kings, the defending champions, Mumbai Indians and New South Wales.

However, Peterson believes that the tough nature of the group could stand the Cobras in good stead.

“We are probably in the toughest pool in the competition but, in saying that, if we get through at least we’ll know that we’ve been tested.

“Every game in our pool seems to be a do or die situation. If we get through, and we have a bit of luck, we will already be prepared for the knock-out matches,” he concluded.

The Cobras open their CLT20 campaign against New South Wales in Chennai on September 24.