Cape Cobras coach Paul Adams will not have his Proteas stars available for Sunday’s One Day Cup final but he still has much to ponder this week.
It was initially understood that Adams may have been able to call on either Hashim Amla or JP Duminy, and possibly even Dale Steyn, for the domestic showpiece at Newlands, as the national players enjoy a break between T20 series.
However, it is now believed that Amla and Duminy will enjoy a much-needed rest, before the three T20 internationals against Australia, in the build-up to the World T20 in India next month.
Meanwhile, Steyn will begin his rehabilitation process from a long-term shoulder injury by turning out for his club, Western Province, against St Augustines on Saturday and not risk any further setbacks in a high-pressure game such as a final just yet.
While the Newlands faithful would no doubt have wanted to see the likes of Amla and Duminy fighting for silverware in the blues of the Cobras this weekend, it does give Adams a bit more room to manoeuvre in terms of selection.
It is the breathing space he would have hoped for, as he remains in a tight squeeze with regards to also having his four Masters Champions League “rebels” back in the fold after their mid-season “desert safari” in the UAE. It is only 38-year-old Justin Kemp who has no chance of playing in Sunday’s final as he has primarily been utilised as a bowling consultant.
The remaining trio of Richard Levi, Robin Peterson and Rory Kleinveldt all have legitimate claims for inclusion, though. Levi remains one of the most destructive batting forces in domestic cricket, and has the ability to almost single-handedly win matches for the Cobras during the opening powerplay when only two fielders are allowed outside the 30-yard circle.
It will be interesting to see whether Adams can resist the temptation of including a player who has such a high X-factor rating.
Kleinveldt is unlikely to be discussed in depth although his experience for such a big game could be a motivating factor, while the same could be said of Peterson who won the One Day Cup’s “Most Valuable Player” award last season.
It will, though, be a tough call from Adams to not show his loyalty to a group of players who have carried the Cobras this far. There has been a tremendous team spirit exuding from the camp since the resumption of the second round in 2016, and it has filtered through to the on-field results.
Besides the last round-robin match when Adams played virtually a “Colts” team with qualification for the final already assured, the Cobras have been a cohesive unit.
The bowling unit has been particularly impressive, with the return of a fit and firing Beuran Hendricks adding an extra attacking edge to an already potent lineup.
Wayne Parnell has been the epitome of consistency – a phrase not usually associated with the talented left-armer – with his experience coming to the fore over the last few games.
The loss of Peterson in the spin department has also been softened through the emergence of Dane Piedt as a genuine attacking one-day spinner, with the Proteas Test tweaker causing havoc on the domestic circuit.
However, the unsung hero within the Cobras attack is unashamedly Dane Paterson. Last season’s Players’ Player of the Year for the Cobras has continued to put in the type of performances that may not earn all the accolades, but is truly appreciated by his teammates.
He regularly sets the tone for the rest of the Cobras attack with his disciplined line and lengths, and will look to do so again on Sunday.
All of this means plenty in terms of team dynamics, but professional sport is a cold and cruel world and it is Adams that will need to show this week that he is committed to his selections, regardless of sentiment. - Cape Times