Cape Cobras coach Paul Adams has called on his senior players to offer support to his youngsters ahead of today’s clash against the Warriors at Newlands.
Adams has been caught up in controversy over the last couple of months, with a number of his players, most of whom are believed to be the senior members, wanting him out of the franchise. It’s an ongoing issue in which SACA and the CCMA have been forced to step in.
It could just be a coincidence, but indeed the senior players haven’t performed well in the first two matches, with Andrew Puttick, Omphile Ramela and Dane Vilas all averaging single figures so far.
Stiaan van Zyl’s 91-run aggregate from four innings is the highest contribution from a senior player, whereas young all-rounder Jason Smith has already scored over 200 runs.
Other rookies like Zubayr Hamza and Matthew Kleinveldt have also shown promise – both have scored more than 100 runs in total – in what has been a bleak start to the season for one of South Africa’s traditionally stronger franchises.
‘It’s been a tough start, but what we’re looking to do is to draw on is the performances of the young players,’ said Adams, whose side has lost both matches thus far.
‘The way they’ve played has been inspiring. Someone like young Jason Smith, he’s showed so much calmness under pressure.
‘We now need some of the senior guys to step up and support the younger players. Hopefully that will happen from here forward.’
The match is the first of three consecutive home matches for the Cobras. Adams is hoping to make that count, but is wary of the challenge posed by their Cape rivals. ‘We have three home games coming up now and it’s vitally important that we turn things around,’ he adds. ‘But we do need to be watchful too.
‘We need to look to improve on the basics and not allow them to get their tails up because they are a team that rides on confidence.’
Puttick is available again after missing last week because of family reasons. He will be one of the players Adams will be relying on to get the Cobras out of their mess, on the field at least.
Photo: Grant Pitcher/Gallo Images
