Cape Cobras Captain Dane Piedt expressed his delight at yet another Cobras player making their Test debut this season.
George Linde made his Test debut during the disappointing tour of India while Pieter Malan made his long-awaited Test debut in the second Test at his home ground Newlands against England.
Dane Paterson became the latest representative from the Western Cape franchise to make his Test debut when he lined up for the Proteas for the third Test against England in Port Elizabeth.
New magazine issue: Why De Kock must bat at four
Piedt, speaking after their 4-Day Series match against the Titans ended in a disappointing draw for the home side, said,
‘It’s extremely good that we have 4 out of the 11 Proteas players coming from the Cobras, guys who really deserve their opportunities,’ said Piedt.
‘Vern has been there for over 60 Test matches and basically looks after himself in terms of selection, but guys like Zubayr, Pieter and Pato have really done the hard yards for us over the years. I’m really happy for Pato, he’s been on a journey, lost his contract at the Dolphins, came back to the Cobras, worked on a semi-pro contract and worked his way back up the ranks at the Cobras.
‘He’s gone on to take over 200 franchise wickets from over 50 matches for the Cobras, I’m just really happy for how he has gone.
‘A lot has been made of Pieter and his rise to opening the batting for the Proteas and he has done hard work to get there. It’s just down to performances at the end of the day and if they can consistently do it they will be around there for a long time, but from a personal point of view, I’m just extremely happy to have Cobras players representing the country.
‘We are a very proud franchise with a wonderful history of producing Proteas players over the years and long may that continue.’
The Cape Cobras take on the Warriors in East London in the next 4 Day Series match starting on Monday. Round 8 will be the final round of fixtures before the start of the Momentum One Day Cup. The remaining two rounds of fixtures will take place after the conclusion of the Momentum One Day Cup at the end of March.
Photo: Gallo Images
