Cape Town – After sharing the title last season, the Cobras are raring to go as the opening game of the One-Day cup draws near.
With the exception of opening batsman Richard Levi, who is struggling with a back problem, the Cobras are injury-free, giving coach Paul Adams the chance to field a strong side for the opening game.
All-rounders Shaheen Khan and Justin Kemp picked up knocks during the off-season but both have fully recovered and are available for selection.
Spinner Dane Piedt has also recovered from a recent shoulder injury, giving Adams a full bowling roster to pick from.
The first game of the season will take place on Friday when the Cobras travel to Centurion to face the Titans, who have a full squad to chose from.
The match will also be the Titans’ first since they were eliminated from the T20 Champions League in India.
In four games played the Titans won two and lost two, leaving them in third position in their group and out of contention for the semi-finals.
The Cobras will be looking for a better start to the season than last year after losing three of their opening five games including an away loss to the Titans.
In the weekend’s other fixtures, the Knights will host the Warriors on Saturday while on Sunday joint champions the Lions are at home to the Dolphins.
The Warriors finished last season bottom of the six-team log and will rely heavily on Aya Gqamane and Simon Harmer to guide the team out of the basement.
After sharing the cup with the Cobras last season, the Lions will be looking for a strong start. They will face a much improved Dolphins side that has been boosted by the signing of Morne van Wyk and England bowler Graham Onions.
Cape Argus