CAPE TOWN – The Cape Cobras will resist any temptation to curtail their attacking instincts during the Momentum One-Day Cup. They are adamant they will play with “flair” and continue to “think out of the box” in a bid to claim the last piece of domestic silverware on offer this season.
Not everything that new captain Dane Piedt has attempted thus far in the competition has been a runaway success, but the young skipper is not suddenly going to start hiding in the bushes anytime soon.
Piedt, along with coach Ashwell Prince, have been a breath of fresh air since taking over at the Cobras at the beginning of the year and have begun reviving a franchise that was fast forgetting its glorious legacy.
The honeymoon period was always set to end at some point though and two defeats in the One-Day Cup have prompted some to question whether a possible rethink in strategy was necessary. But Piedt, in his unique effervescent manner, believes now is the time for the team to stay true to its values.
“We showed in our last game what a positive frame of mind can produce. Our bowlers did not back off and operated with high intensity,” Piedt said. “The attitude in our group is always one of positivity. We have a lot of talent and plenty of match-winners in our squad. We not going to stop playing with flair, and trying to express ourselves. That’s the culture we trying to create within this group of players that we should all feel confident to express ourselves. Thinking out of the box and maintaining a positive mindset is essential for us.”
While not averse to learning from defeats, Piedt is the kind of captain that prefers to focus on what worked in the victories that were achieved. For instance, both wins achieved thus far against the Warriors and Dolphins respectively came after positive starts at the top with the bat.
In East London, Richard Levi and Omphile Ramela put on 118 for the first wicket before adding 63 in Pietermaritzburg on Sunday. This solid foundation allows stroke-makers like Jason Smith and Dane Vilas greater freedom during the middle and back-end of the innings.
It is Levi, who arguably most epitomises the Cobras’ attacking style and resulting fluctuating fortunes through his 55-ball 73 and 32-ball 55, though that Piedt wants to continue playing in his trademark manner.
“I am never going to tell Richard how he must play,” Piedt explained. “He’s an experienced player, having played all over the world, won competitions everywhere, playing the way he does. It’s been hugely successful for him and the team in the past and it gives us great momentum upfront.
“We understand it’s high-risk and its not always going to be successful but the rewards are far greater than the risk. He’s formulated a good understanding with Omphie at the top of the order too, and they have complement each very well, so it’s all guns blazing in Paarl on Friday night.”
The Cobras medical team are still assessing Smith and Ramela’s injuries and will make a call closer to the start of Friday’s crucial tie against the Highveld Lions.