Eddie Leie, whose 4-26 effectively knocked the Cobras out of the T20 Challenge, has joined the Cape franchise on loan for the rest of the season.

The Lions leg-spinner will look to add a bit of impetus into the Cobras’ One Day Cup ambitions, with the side enduring a mixed campaign so far. He’ll be in line to make his debut against the Dolphins in Paarl on Wednesday.

The 30-year-old has established a reputation domestically as one of the toughest leg-spinners to decipher. His googly has been rated by Paul Harris, a former South African left-arm spinner, as the best amongst SA bowlers.

‘I have been amongst the top-ten list of bowling averages in the One Day Cup competition the past three years,’ he said.

He could have added that he nabbed out 3-16 in his maiden T20 International for South Africa in 2015, but went to explain the competition that kept him out of the Lions side.

‘Bjorn Fortuin played well while I was out of the side with a grade two tear of my hamstring. And I don’t think, if I was in his position at the Highveld Lions, it would have been fair on him to be replaced.

‘But I have been training twice a day and bowling in the nets twice a day since my return.

‘I am pushing to return to the South African team. I like challenges. I always pride myself on doing well against strong batting line-ups.’ he added.

The match in Paarl starts at 14:00.

Photo: Grant Pitcher/Gallo Images