Cape Town - Cape Cobras’s coach Paul Adams have called for a more clinical approach on all three departments.
The selectors have also made a few bold changes to the starting line-up to strengthen the Cape champions’ bowling attack ahead of the pivotal Sunfoil Series match against the champions, the Titans, at Newlands.
Adams has identified the match, starting on Thursday 27th October, as a key clash for the Cape Cobras to ensure they narrow the gap between themselves at the basement of the log and the team at the summit, the Knights.
“We need to improve our bowling significantly. It is of no use to say the wicket was not conducive to seam bowling. In the previous few matches we were below-par with the ball.
“You don’t always encounter a green top. But you must align your strategies to the situation. There is something like an attacking approach while defending,” Adams said.
Adams was referring to the importance of applying pressure from both ends and putting fielders in strategic positions to dry up the runs and force opponents into fatal errors.
The Cobras have introduced the Boland opening bowler Zakhele Qwabe in Tshepo Moreki’s place while Rory Kleinveldt replaces the left-arm swing bowler Beuran Hendricks.
Dane Vilas, the Cape Cobras’ wicketkeeper-batsman, is bound to fly out to Australia on Friday and consequently, Andrew Puttick will take over the big gloves from him.
Justin Ontong, back from a hand injury, will replace Vilas.
“We have dropped a few chances in the slips. We need to remain switched on to ensure we grasp our chances,” Adams said about the fielding.
The Cobras have showed much improved form with the bat against the Warriors last week, with Puttick and Omphile Ramela striking centuries, while Jason Smith and Aviwe Mgijima assembled half-centuries.
Their 567 for seven was achieved thanks to a 266-run opening stand between Ramela and Puttick.
This will be an important match for Stiaan van Zyl, who needs to get back into his habitual century-striking mode.
Cape Cobra squad:
Omphile Ramela (capt), Andrew Puttick, Zubayr Hamza, Stiaan van Zyl, Dane Paterson, Jason Smith, Dane Piedt, Rory Kleinveldt, Aviwe Mgijima, Zakhele Qwabe, Justin Ontong.
Titans:
TBA