The Highveld Lions welcome back Proteas opener, Alviro Petersen, for their Sunfoil Series clash with the Warriors at Axxess St. George’s this Thursday and will be grateful to have some solidity at the top of an order that misfired last week.
The Lions were bowled out for 121 in their first innings by the Chevrolet Knights last week and, although it ultimately had little effect as the rain guaranteed a draw, captain Stephen Cook says they were all too aware of their shortcomings. Petersen’s return should help, even if Cook feels that the title is probably beyond the Lions now.
“Looking at this log now, the Cobras are a long way ahead of us - they’re 30-odd points ahead,” he said. “There is still a possibility - mathematically we could still win it - but it’s getting less likely.
“The guys have got three games now to the end of the season to stake their claims so there should be no lack of motivation in the camp.”
Cook confirmed there would not be wholesale changes for the game against the Warriors, who will be without Simon Harmer due to suspension.
The in-form off-spinner pleaded guilty to a Level 2 indiscretion under the CSA Code of Conduct after being charged for an incident that took place during a RAM SLAM T20 game against the Dolphins in January, and was suspended for this weekend’s match.
Other than that the Warriors are unlikely to make major changes, with captain Davy Jacobs still missing because of injury.
“It’s a stupid injury - I hurt the ligament on the side of my big toe whilst playing soccer for a warm-up in Bloem,” said Jacobs. “The ankle that I’ve struggled with throughout the season, that problem also came from soccer.”
Ashwell Prince will continue to captain in place of the wicketkeeper-batsman, who may return in time for the final game of the season.
HEAD TO HEAD – Warriors vs. Highveld Lions
Matches Played - 19
Warriors Win - 03
Lions Win - 08
Draw - 08
| MATCH STATS (SUNFOIL SERIES) | CHEVROLET WARRIORS | bIZHUB HIGHVELD LIONS |
| Highest Score | 532 (East London 2009/2010) | 690/9 (East London 2009/2010) |
| Lowest Score | 135 (Port Elizabeth 2012/2013) | 59 (Johannesburg 2012/2013) |
| Highest Individual Score | 154 Ashwell Prince (East London 2009/2010) | 390 Stephen Cook (East London 2009/2010) |
| Best bowling in a match | 11/70 Ayabulela Gqamane (Johannesburg 2012/2013) | 11/90 Garnett Kruger (Johannesburg 2005/2006) |
James Buttler
As the editor of World Cricket Badger he is intent on building the website to give quality coverage of the domestic game around the world.
He is also the presenter of the Cricket Badger Radio Show on Radio Yorkshire every Tuesday evening between 7-9pm UK time.
James was the full-time Media Manager at Yorkshire County Cricket Club between 2007 and 2010.
James is a published author, a writer/video contributor to many cricket publications and a complete cricket badger!
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