Johannesburg – Achieving the ideal balance between youth and experience could prove the difference between the Warriors, believes skipper Davy Jacobs, and their Ram Slam T20 Challenge playoff opponents, the Titans, in East London on Wednesday.
The Warriors won the domestic T20 competition three years ago and finished as runners-up the following season, while they also placed second in the Champions League T20 tournament in 2010.
Players of the calibre of Colin Ingram, Ashwell Prince, Rusty Theron and Jacobs were all part of the squad that established themselves as one of the best limited-overs outfits in South Africa during that period.
Jacobs said the experienced members of the squad provided vital leadership in tough matches, but he also pointed to the roles played by younger members of the squad, including all-rounder Ayabulela Gqamane and opening batsman Christiaan Jonker.
“The experience is very important. Experience is what you bank on in playoff matches, but you can never underestimate the exuberance of youth, players like Aya and Christiaan,” Jacobs said on Monday.
“Ideally you want a blend of youth and experience because the experienced players can guide the youngsters in tight situations and talk them through it.”
However, Jacobs warned that defending champions the Titans had a similar blend of players in their squad and the hosts would not be taking the visitors lightly.
“They have a wonderful squad with a good blend,” Jacobs said.
“They have come through some tough times this season, and when you come through those and start playing well, you understand how important it is. In many ways they are in a similar position to us.”
The skipper said 28-year-old England international Samit Patel had fitted in almost seamlessly at the Warriors, with his powerful batting and crafty left-arm spin proving to be a valuable asset for the Eastern Cape team.
Though the Warriors do not usually contract the services of overseas professionals, such has been Patel's influence, off the field as well as on it, that Jacobs said they were hoping to contract him beyond this season.
“He (Patel) has fitted in nicely. He backs himself more than anyone I know. He is just so positive.
“He is similar to a lot of guys in our team. He wants the ball all the time and wants to make a play.
“It has been a long time since we have had an overseas pro and we will hopefully be looking to use him in all formats in the future.”
Another pleasing aspect of the Warriors' group campaign, which saw them finish second on the log after six wins from 10 games, was the return to form of left-arm fast bowler Wayne Parnell.
The 23-year-old Parnell seems to have regained form after a string of injuries disrupted his career.
He has taken 11 wickets this season at an average of 19, and Jacobs could not be more pleased to have someone of the international paceman's calibre on the field in tough match situations.
“Wayne started so well in his career but then got injured and it took a while for him to get back to his best,” Jacobs said.
“Wayne's secret is that he has something special. This year he was left to just play cricket and to spend some time playing domestic cricket.
“It has given him some time to learn about his trade and he is ready to play for South Africa again.”
The winner of the qualifying playoff will face the Highveld Lions in the T20 Challenge final at the Wanderers on Sunday. – Sapa