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Christo Buchner
Johannesburg – Will the two top teams in the SuperSport Series be able to display their talents on the notorious Paarl wicket? That is the question ahead of the match between the Cape Cobras and Titans, which starts on Thursday morning.
Sadly, the Paarl wicket usually doesn't promote attacking cricket and often leads to boring draws. It will be a pity if the poor state of the pitch leads to a similar scenario over the next few days.
Thankfully for the Cobras, paceman Charl Langeveldt is one of the players who knows what is required to achieve success on the wicket.
The toss can be a very important factor in Paarl. The longer the game lasts, the lower the ball shoots through and the more difficult it becomes for strokeplayers.
It is likely to offer batsmen the best assistance on the first two days.
Langeveldt is likely to get good support from Vernon Philander, who has been in a rich vein of form of late with the ball.
The Titans’ top order of Jacques Rudolph, Gulam Bodi, Blake Snijman, Pieter Malan and Heino Kuhn will have to stand strong against the Cape bowling duo.
Albie Morkel, who has been left out in the cold after a single Test against Australia earlier this year, will be out to deliver an all-round performance of which the national selectors will simply have to take note.
The visitors’ bowling attack is looking thin and rookie Tumi Masekela will have his first experience of cricket at this level.
Andrew Puttick and his fellow batsmen will definitely have him in their sights.
Meanwhile, the Lions will be out to maintain their momentum against the Eagles at the Wanderers following their innings and 216 run win over the Titans last weekend.
Less than 13 points separate the leaders, the Cobras (59.00) from the last-placed Dolphins (46.42), leaving the tournament delicately poised heading into the Christmas break.
Even though the Dolphins are in last place, they believe that a home win over the Warriors at Kingsmead in Durban will get them firmly back in the picture. Former Proteas player Garnett Kruger may make his debut for the Warriors.
Johannesburg – Will the two top teams in the SuperSport Series be able to display their talents on the notorious Paarl wicket? That is the question ahead of the match between the Cape Cobras and Titans, which starts on Thursday morning.
Sadly, the Paarl wicket usually doesn't promote attacking cricket and often leads to boring draws. It will be a pity if the poor state of the pitch leads to a similar scenario over the next few days.
Thankfully for the Cobras, paceman Charl Langeveldt is one of the players who knows what is required to achieve success on the wicket.
The toss can be a very important factor in Paarl. The longer the game lasts, the lower the ball shoots through and the more difficult it becomes for strokeplayers.
It is likely to offer batsmen the best assistance on the first two days.
Langeveldt is likely to get good support from Vernon Philander, who has been in a rich vein of form of late with the ball.
The Titans’ top order of Jacques Rudolph, Gulam Bodi, Blake Snijman, Pieter Malan and Heino Kuhn will have to stand strong against the Cape bowling duo.
Albie Morkel, who has been left out in the cold after a single Test against Australia earlier this year, will be out to deliver an all-round performance of which the national selectors will simply have to take note.
The visitors’ bowling attack is looking thin and rookie Tumi Masekela will have his first experience of cricket at this level.
Andrew Puttick and his fellow batsmen will definitely have him in their sights.
Meanwhile, the Lions will be out to maintain their momentum against the Eagles at the Wanderers following their innings and 216 run win over the Titans last weekend.
Less than 13 points separate the leaders, the Cobras (59.00) from the last-placed Dolphins (46.42), leaving the tournament delicately poised heading into the Christmas break.
Even though the Dolphins are in last place, they believe that a home win over the Warriors at Kingsmead in Durban will get them firmly back in the picture. Former Proteas player Garnett Kruger may make his debut for the Warriors.
