Cape Town - Kagiso Rabada and Temba Bavuma were undoubtedly the stars that glowed brightest for South Africa during the Test series against England. But just “bubbling under” was a young spinner who went about his business quietly but very effectively.
Dane Piedt the off-spinner from Cape Town, was the leading wicket-taker in the series before the national selectors deemed him surplus to requirements on a spicy Wanderers pitch. With the all-seam attack failing in their objective, Piedt was back for the dead-rubber at Centurion.
What has been discovered over the course of the summer, though, is that Piedt is undoubtedly SA’s number one Test spinner after battling for a spot with fellow “offie” Simon Harmer and leg-spinner Imran Tahir during the preceding tour of India.
“I really enjoyed the summer,” Piedt told the media on Wednesday at a Cape Cobras training session. “I learnt so much about my game. And it is not just about my batting and bowling. It is my overall approach. My preparation, my mindset… all those intangible things. I just feel much more confident and comfortable in my approach at the moment. JP (Duminy) and Faf (du Plessis) told me I’m playing with a smile on my face, so that must mean I’m enjoying coming to work at the moment.”
That infectious smile, which was visible throughout the Test series, has certainly only got broader on his return to the Cobras. It has long been Piedt’s desire not to be pigeon-holed as only a longer-format bowler. He has yearned for the opportunity to show his worth with the white ball for his franchise.
However, with former Proteas spinner Robin Peterson still tweaking away, it was tough for Piedt to be a regular in limited-overs cricket for the Cobras. Peterson is participating in the Masters Champions League in the UAE at the moment, so there was an opening for Piedt and he has grabbed it with both hands.
Piedt delivered his 10 overs for just 29 runs on Friday evening against the Dolphins, and also trapped Sibonelo Makhanya plumb in front with a quicker delivery. It certainly showed that the 25-year-old had the skills to contain the run-rate while also taking wickets.
“I loved being in the ‘Blues’ again. I’ve wanted it for a long time. I made my debut for the Cobras in limited-overs cricket and I always believed that I could make a contribution to the team’s cause in one-day and T20 cricket,” he explained.
“I enjoy all formats of the game, and want to play as much of everything as possible. Limited-overs cricket offers different challenges and that really excites me, gets me going. There are (a) couple of big games coming up this weekend and I really want to help the Cobras consolidate their position at (the) top of the log.”
The coming weekend for the Cobras is certainly a vital one in the team’s push for top spot which will bring with it an automatic home final. The Titans are currently in second last position on the log, and have played one match more than the Cobras, but they remain a dangerous prospect, especially at the unfamiliar Willowmoore Park in Benoni.
Rob Walter’s team are renowned for starting their championship push at a late stage, and could be squaring up the table-topping Cobras to ignite some momentum into their campaign.
Equally, Sunday’s opponents, the Highveld Lions, are in third position and are just four points behind the Cobras and will have similar ambitions of securing that much sought after home final.
Cape Argus