Climatologists may claim the Western Cape has experienced its hottest summer since the 1920s, but the Cape Cobras would dearly love some of that sunshine to bake down on them over the next four days as they go in search of the “double” in Paarl.
If not for rain interruptions around the country earlier in the season, which washed out one match entirely and restricted another to just a first innings, the Cobras would already have been celebrating the defence of their SuperSport Series throne in addition to the Pro20 title they have already bagged.
Instead, they now head into their final fixture against the Warriors starting on Thursday, not only having to maintain their slender lead over the Titans, but also needing to keep one eye on the elements. Rain has been forecast for the opening two days at Boland Park, which could play a major role in the destination of the SuperSport Series title. The Cobras have just a 0.12 advantage over their rivals from Centurion, who face the Knights in Benoni.
Boland Park has a notoriously poor drainage system, and the Cobras are doing the best off the field to ensure play will not be affected too much.
They have sent an extra “super sopper” from Newlands to the Winelands venue, while almost the entire outfield, not just the pitch, has been covered.
It seems the home union have learnt from a previous match at the venue against the Dolphins this season when the first day’s play was lost due to early-morning showers, despite it clearing up entirely by noon.
While it is important to make provisions, the Cobras should not dwell too long on factors out of their control, though. They need to keep their focus on the primary job, and that is ensuring a good haul of bonus points before finishing off an inexperienced Warriors outfit.
“We know what we need to do, and that is stick to our processes that have served us well all season,” Cobras coach Richard Pybus said. “We’ve played good cricket throughout, and if it wasn’t for the rain, matters would have been different, but we are just happy that we are level with the Titans heading into the final weekend.”
The final charge will, however, have to be done without opening bowler Charl Langeveldt. The Cobras relied heavily on the 36-year-old last week, when he bowled 43 overs to accommodate captain Justin Kemp bowling just three overs in the entire game.
Langeveldt has a sore knee and will be replaced by the fit-again Rory Kleinveldt, who will be eager to ensure the Cobras follow in the footsteps of their Western Province Amateur team, who have already done the three day and one-day “double” this season.
COBRAS TEAM
Andrew Puttick, Yaseen Vallie, Stiaan van Zyl, Owais Shah, Justin Ontong, Justin Kemp (capt), Ryan Canning, Rory Kleinveldt, Dane Piedt, Johann Louw, Claude Henderson.