Durban – Dolphins coach Lance Klusener admits that their bowling is a big area of concern, despite the strong start they made to the One Day Cup competition.
The Durban franchise, currently second on the log, have conceded the most runs in the competition so far – 942 runs in 141.3 overs, which is also the most expensive per-over economy at just under six and a half.
“It is something we're concerned about and are working on,” Klusener said on Wednesday.
“I'm not shying away from the fact that our skills haven't been good, we know that and we're working on it.
“But scores are generally bigger with the powerplay and the different field restrictions, but at the same time we can't be missing our lengths and not executing our skills as well as we can.”
The Durban side, who trail leaders Cape Cobras by four points, won their first two games and watched their third washed out against the Highveld Lions last Friday.
However, they suffered their first loss of the season when they went down to the Warriors on Sunday, a result that saw them fail to defend 275 in Pietermaritzburg.
“Those are the kind of games you have to win.
“You can't look back and say that's the game that maybe cost you a place on the log.
“That's the frustrating thing and it's a game we should have won.”
The Dolphins conceded 340 against the Titans in their opening game, 233 in 45 overs versus the Highveld Lions and 342 to the Knights in their third game – taking 22 out of 40 wickets in that time.
Klusener said he was mulling changes ahead of their trip to play the Lions in Johannesburg on Friday, but backed the current attack, which was made up of Robbie Frylinck, Craig Alexander, Rabian Engelbrecht, Prenelan Subrayen and Thandi Tshabalala, to improve.
“There are options, but at the same time I believe that those guys that are there can do the job.
“It's just a matter of whether it's a mindset or doing some extra work. We'll hopefully sort it out this week.
“We're not really worried about the options. Those that are selected just need to get their skills right. We're not hiding away from that.”
Klusener was nonetheless pleased with the way they had performed so far and hoped to win the next two games before the competition went into recess.
“It's a big week for us. Last week was a big week and three wins would have been good, but we didn't manage it.
“Eight points from the next two games will pretty much guarantee us a shot at the title somewhere along the line, so that's what we're aiming for.” – Sapa