Cricket
Warne's lethal deliveries loom
2009-03-26 21:33
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By Altus Momberg - Die Burger
Cape Town - Legendary leg-spinner Shane Warne is set to bowl his magical deliveries in the Mother City again next month.
Warne’s Indian Premier League (IPL) side, the Rajasthan Royals, are set to do their preparations in the Cape.
The Royals, who won the lucrative Twenty20 series last year, are set to take on South African Twenty20 champions the Cape Cobras in a training game.
It is believed the Royals are one of the sides that will play in the first game of this year’s series at Newlands.
Warne on Thursday told cricinfo that it was a pity the series had been moved to South Africa.
“To win the series in front of 80 000 spectators last year was incredible,” said Warne.
“It won’t be the same as in India, but hopefully the South African public supports the tournament and ensures a good spectacle.”
The Royals’ South African connection has been watered down somewhat for the warm-up games, with Graeme Smith and Albie Morkel both in action against Australia on the eve of the IPL.
All-rounder Tyron Henderson, who has played for several local teams including the Cobras, will be available.
“I can’t wait for the series to start,” said Henderson.
It came as a big surprise when the Royals bid $600 000 for Henderson. This came after very good performances in England for Middlesex.
Meanwhile, the Cape Cobras on Thursday fought back on the first day of their SuperSport game against the Lions at Potchefstroom.
The Lions reached 242/2 before a dramatic collapse, which saw them dismissed for 296.
Neil McKenzie (76), Jonathan Symes (50) and Stephen Cook (90) excelled for the home side, while Stiaan van Zyl (4/36) was surprisingly effective with the ball.
The visitors reached 18/0 by close of play. Andrew Puttick (4*) and Alastair Gray (14*) will continue batting on Friday.