Titans captain Neil Brand says his side will need to “step up with the bat” during their CSA 4-Day Series campaign, which gets under way against the Warriors on Friday.

Despite some wet weather, the Titans have had some productive sessions in the nets, and feel ready to mount a serious challenge.

Last season’s losing finalists have resolved to go one better this season, though Brand said the batting would have to be stronger.

“We are all in a good headspace, but we know that we will have to be more ruthless with the bat this season.

“Our bowlers won us games last year, and we know we need to step up with the bat. We’ve lost a couple of key players in Aiden [Markram] and Lizaad [Williams] who were vital last year.”

Brand was told that he would be the Titans’ 4-Day Series captain while the team was in Kimberly for the T20 Knockout.

“We all expected Dean [Elgar] to lead the side, so I was a bit surprised. They are big shoes to fill,” he admitted.

Brand will have the experience of Chris Morris and Simon Harmer to count on, though.

“Simon and Chris are both match-winners, and they have brought a lot of value,” he said. “Simon has won so much with Essex, and everyone looks up to him. Morri had obviously played in the highest pressure in the IPL.

“They have helped the youngsters and been so easy to speak to. They are just normal human beings, and hopefully they will win matches for us this season.”

Titans squad: Neil Brand (wk), Grant Mokoena, Theunis de Bruyn, Gihahn Cloete (wk), Sibonelo Makhanya, Jordan Hermann, Dayyaan Galliem, Corbin Bosch, Simon Harmer, Junior Dala, Okuhle Cele, Aya Gqamane Jiveshen Pillay, Jiveshen Pretorius, Chris Morris.