The Cape Cobras’ worst fears were confirmed yesterday. West Indies superstar Kieron Pollard was ruled out for the remainder of the T20 Challenge with a knee injury sustained while trying to change direction in the outfield at Boland Park on Sunday.
Pollard’s unavailability is a major blow to the Cobras’ chances of retaining their T20 crown. Not only was the big Trinidadian the standout player of last season’s run to the title, but he once again illustrated his tremendous value to the Cobras in Paarl. Batting virtually on one leg, he still managed to swat the Knights bowlers all around the winelands venue to take his team over the line with three balls to spare.
“”Kieron has injured his knee and he will be leaving us soon,” Cobras coach Paul Adams said yesterday.
“He’s obviously devastated because he always wants to make a contribution to the team. We saw his commitment on Sunday when he made the decision to come out and bat when he was obviously in a lot of pain.
“Watching him hobble down the stairs and go on and win the game for us speaks volumes about the man’s character and we wish him well with his recovery.”
Adams has confirmed that the Cobras would not be returning to the transfer market for an overseas replacement for Pollard. Instead, he will look within his squad for an able stand-in.
This situation becomes trickier with all-rounder Wayne Parnell also hobbling off last Sunday with an injured foot. Parnell went for a scan on Monday, which fortunately revealed no fracture, but the left-arm paceman is still suffering severe pain. He will not take part in any training sessions this week in a bid to give him sufficient time to recover. Adams will make a call on the 27-year-old’s fitness on Friday before the departure to Johannesburg, where the Highveld Lions await at the Wanderers.
Opening bowler Dane Paterson is also struggling with a stiff back and his workload will be monitored. With the season not even at the halfway stage yet, the Cobras cannot afford to lose their strike bowler to a long-term injury.
With so many players currently injured at Newlands, there is a strong possibility that veteran all-rounder Justin Kemp could make a return at the Bullring this weekend. Kemp has played no franchise cricket this season as yet, with the 38-year-old largely fulfilling a “mentor” role.
“Kempy has been training with us all season, so he’s in good shape. He has always done a good job for us, with both bat and ball where he is particularly economical during those middle overs,” Adams said. “I’ve got every confidence that if we require him this weekend, he will be able to do a job for us. He’s very experienced, especially in this format of the game.”
With the injuries mounting and the Cobras’ log position requiring them to win at least two of their remaining league matches to ensure a play-off spot, there is a chance that all the peripheral matters could influence the performances of what is largely a youthful squad. There was, though, some relief on the injury front with former Proteas spinner Robin Peterson returning to training yesterday after suffering an injured finger earlier in the competition.
There were further positive signs with left-arm seamer Beuran Hendricks set to play for the Western Province team at Newlands this weekend after a three-month lay-off.
“I will never fault the guys for giving 150 percent commitment in the field and sometimes that can lead to an injury, but that’s what we ask of the boys. To put their bodies on the line and always play for the badge,” Adams said.
“The spirit in the camp is still good, as all these injuries are opportunities for a young player to stake a claim. That’s the way we are viewing all these setbacks at the moment. We’ve got Robbie back and that is a major bonus, and Beuran is playing cricket again, which is a step in the right direction.” - Cape Argus