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Steyn relishes Wanderers clash

Johannesburg - Proteas speedster Dale Steyn is looking forward to the conditions at the Wanderers, where his Cobras side meet the Highveld Lions in the One-day Cup final on Friday.

“There’s always a bit of swing at the Wanderers, whether there is cloud around or not, and there is a bit of bounce in the wicket. I’m looking forward to the challenge," Steyn said this week.

"We’ve also been monitoring the weather closely in case it has an impact."

While the Lions may be the underdogs against the defending champions, coach Geoffrey Toyana hoped that tag would provide the incentive the hosts needed to clinch the title.

Toyana said the Lions were unfazed about the strength of the opposition.

"We don't want to look at them too much, we'd much rather focus on the things we do," he said.

"They do have some world-class players, but I'm just hoping that alone will inspire my own players to do well against a side like that."

The Gauteng team were the most consistent through the league phase of the competition, with their stability helping them secure top spot on the log.

Their opponents, on the other hand, did not have everything their own way with three defeats on the trot early in the competition severely threatening their chances. But six wins from their next seven games saw the title holders storm into the final.

The Lions will have three Proteas available in Alviro Petersen, Thami Tsolekile and Imran Tahir, though only Petersen is expected to play.

Apart from Steyn, the visitors will feature Robin Peterson and Rory Kleinveldt, with Vernon Philander and Graeme Smith, who is still injured, set to miss out, according to Adams.

Former Cobras captain Justin Kemp would undergo a late fitness test on a hamstring injury, with Philander placed on standby.

"Graeme still has a problem with his arm and Justin Kemp is being monitored," Adams said.

While the visitors held the momentum, the hosts won just one of their last six games, although three of those were affected by the weather, and Toyana remained confident of lifting the title.

"We are a bit undercooked because we haven't played in two weeks," Toyana admitted.

"So we've had one or two practice games in the build-up, but we should be ready for the final.

"My boys are in good spirits and looking to give it a good go."

Adams was counting on his team's superb recent run to carry them to glory.

"We've gotten some good momentum coming into the final," he said.

"We had some good wins under our belt and what's important is that every one of our players has contributed to those wins. We'll be really confident."

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