Zaahier Adams looks at five key factors that the Cape Cobras will need to be successful in the One-Day Cup.
1 Cobras’ state of mind
Due to the amount of talent the Cape Cobras have routinely had in their lineup, they have played with flair. But earlier this season, specifically in the RamSlam T20 Challenge, there were times when the “fear factor” had players and management second-guess their gut feelings.
However, the team’s confidence has been rebuilt and the players are starting to express themselves again. It is crucial that coach Paul Adams continues to create a positive environment that encourages his side to play fearlessly.
2 Form of Beuran Hendricks
Globally, the value of a left-arm seamer has increased exponentially. Australia have Mitchell Starc, New Zealand have Trent Boult, Pakistan have the two Mohammeds (Amir and Irfan), England have Reece Topley and David Willey, and even Bangladesh have their own “leftie”, Mustafizur Rahman. It seems only the Proteas have yet to realise the value of a left-armer in their attack.
Not so the Cobras, who have Hendricks and Wayne Parnell tormenting the opposition. While Parnell’s class – at domestic level at least – is undoubted, it is the form of Hendricks which the Cobras will have to monitor.
The 25-year-old has been nothing short of sensational since his return from injury and has already claimed 10 wickets in just three One Day Cup matches. He bowls at a good pace while he is also able to swing the ball prodigiously.
In an ominous warning to the opposition ahead of the business end of the One Day Cup, Hendricks said yesterday: “I feel I can still go faster and bowl with more consistency.”
3 No butter fingers
The Cobras have really lifted their fielding standards with Keegan Pietersen pulling off an extraordinary run out against the Titans.
Such moments of brilliance are crucial in changing the course of close contests, but so are holding on to catches. The Cobras are, though, still dropping far too many catches.
Andrew Puttick was guilty of two straight-forward chances last Sunday, while Omphile Ramela also put one down at short-leg. Adams has promised a lengthy fielding session today, where he admits mistakes will happen but “we have to be more alert when the chances come”.
4 A happy team is a winning team
Unity within the Cobras camp has always been questionable due to the number of personnel. It becomes even trickier to manage when the Proteas return, and stalwarts who have performed well throughout a tournament have to be dropped for “the stars”. Youngsters also quickly become disillusioned with the lack of opportunities, which can all cause an unhappy dressing-room. The Cobras seem to have discovered that elusive middle ground for the moment, and the team spirit appears to be at an all-time high. It will be critical that this is preserved heading into the playoffs.
5 Get Dane Vilas up the order
The Cobras have adopted a plan that sets the game up for captain Justin Ontong and Dane Vilas to “finish” the innings.
This tactic works perfectly for Ontong, who enjoys batting with a few overs/balls remaining in order for him to play with freedom. Although Vilas changed the course of the Cobras clash against the Titans with a blitz at the end, he is too valuable to be utilised lower down the order. Vilas is one of the few domestic cricketers who can play with intent from the moment he walks to the crease, without taking any undue risks. He plays every ball on merit and if it deserves to be hit, he will hit it! He is a potential game-changer and the Cobras need him to face as many balls as possible. - Cape Times