Cape Town – Six fast bowlers in the Cape Cobras squad of 13 and six specialist batsmen as well as a bowling all-rounder capable of causing havoc with his left-arm spin and reverse sweeps, are some of the features of the team that will travel to the Bidvest Wanderers Stadium to face the Bizhub Highveld Lions in the season-opener on Saturday.
The Cobras reached the final of the Momentum One Day Cup competition the past four seasons, and hosted the final in the 2013/2014- and 2014/2015-competition.
Wayne Parnell, Vernon Philander, Lizaad Williams, Dane Paterson, Mthokozisi Shezi and Tshepo Moreki are the six fast bowlers picked for arguably the fastest surface in South Africa.
Robin Peterson, left-arm spinner of the Cobras who captured 18 wickets during a highly successful Momentum One Day Cup season, will provide the slower option. As a batsman, he possesses the attacking repertoire to destroy bowling attacks. He has also opened the innings on occasion for the Cape Cobras.
The greatest challenge for the Cobras would be to take regular wickets against a team that boasts several international batsmen, including Alviro Petersen, Temba Bavuma and Neil McKenzie.
Philander would be a key factor for the Cobras on a wicket that is set to offer him some support. His ability to assess the perfect length on any pitch and introduce late movement off the seam, has made him one of South Africa’s finest bowlers.
The Cape Cobras squad is: Justin Ontong (capt), Richard Levi, Andrew Puttick, Stiaan van Zyl, Omphile Ramela, Dane Vilas, Wayne Parnell, Robin Peterson, Lizaad Williams, Mthokozisi Shezi, Tshepo Moreki, Dane Paterson, Vernon Philander
