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Dolphins coach wary of Knights attack

Durban - Dolphins coach Grant Morgan says they will give the Knights bowling attack the respect it deserves, but insists they will not fear the opposition when their Sunfoil Series clash at Kingsmead gets underway on Thursday.
 
The match on the east coast is a top-of-the-table affair with both teams having won two out of their three matches to date.
 
But the visitors did manage to overtake the hosts after the last round of matches when they drew with the Highveld Lions in Kimberley.
 
The Dolphins were thumped by the Titans in Centurion, although just under four points separate them ahead of the round four showdown.
 
“We highly respect their team as a whole but we also respect ourselves,” Morgan said. “The Knights have taken the most opposition wickets in the three rounds thus far, with new signing Marchant de Lange, Duanne Olivier and Mbulelo Budaza particularly outstanding.
 
“If you look at the stats, their danger does probably come in the seam attack,” Morgan said. “The seamers have done a wonderful job for them, but we don’t fear their seam attack.”
 
Proteas limited-overs specialist Imran Tahir is set for his first outing of the season for the Durbanites and the home coach is counting on his experience to aid them.
 
“If we can set up a nice batting platform and bowl with the same kind of plans that we had in our first two games where our nagging attack can make them really work hard, then we can use Immy Tahir as we want to use him, then they’re going to have to be at their best to nullify us,” Morgan added.
 
Former Knights captain Werner Coetsee is in their squad for the first time this season, with Letlotlo Sesele missing out.  
 
Their coach Nicky Boje is hoping to build on their strong start to the campaign. “It’s a good start to the season, we’ve had three good games, we’re top of the table and we’re looking forward to the next one,” he says.
 
But Boje knows that staying where they are will not be as straightforward against a rejuvenated Dolphins team under new coach Morgan.
 
“They’ve got a lot of energy and some good energy going too,” the former South Africa spinner added. “They have some good players as well and we’ll have to have to execute our plans well against them to come out on top.”
 
Dolphins squad: Morne van Wyk (captain), Craig Alexander, Sarel Erwee, Robbie Frylinck, Imraan Khan, Senuran Muthusamy, Andile Phehlukwayo, Mthokozisi Shezi, Daryn Smit, Imran Tahir, Vaughn van Jaarsveld, Khaya Zondo
 
Knights squad: Tumelo Bodibe, Mbulelo Budaza, Werner Coetsee, Theunis de Bruyn  (captain), Marchant de Lange, Dillon du Preez, Michael Erlank, David Miller, Luthando Mnyanda, Duanne Olivier, Robin Peterson, Rudi Second, Shadley van Schalkwyk
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