Cape Town - The Cape Cobras’ senior players need to step up in the Sunfoil Series competition, coach Paul Adams said ahead of the crucial clash against the rejuvenated Warriors starting at St George’s Park in Port Elizabeth on Thursday.
The Cobras, at the foot of the table with 14.66 points, are in dire need of a morale-boosting victory.
The Cape franchise will welcome back experienced stalwart Justin Kemp, who has recovered from a groin injury.
International left-arm spinner Robin Peterson is still experiencing some discomfort in his hand and will only join the team for the first One Day Cup match of 2015 on January 24 against the Highveld Lions at the Wanderers.
Peterson was sensational in the One Day Cup campaign in October and also performed admirably for the Proteas in the limited formats in November prior to a hand injury.
Adams said one of the reasons for the Cobras’ hesitant and unsatisfactory start to the four-day domestic showpiece has been that they have not build pressure for long periods.
That release of pressure at the critical moments has dented their progress.
“The senior guys need to step up and fulfil their roles. But ultimately it is going to be a team collective. One or two brilliant performances won’t cut it. As a unit, we will have to get tighter and work harder.
“It is very important to focus on one game at a time and operate in every session at a high intensity.”
Ferisco Adams, a revelation during the RAM SLAM T20 Challenge, will join the squad for the trip to Port Elizabeth.
Cape Cobras squad: Dane Vilas (captain), Ferisco Adams, Sybrand Engelbrecht, Justin Kemp, Richard Levi, George Linde, Aviwe Mgijima, Dane Paterson, Keegan Petersen, Omphile Ramela, Mthokozisi Shezi, Mohammed Vallie, Lizaad Williams