Johannesburg – The Cape Cobras will be using their domestic T20 clash with the Warriors at Boland Park as something of a dress rehearsal for next weekend's home final as they bring their big guns back into the side.
Technically the Cobras have nothing to gain from their final league fixture after they sewed up top spot on the table on Sunday, but coach Paul Adams wants to use the game to reintegrate Proteas Hashim Amla and Dale Steyn into the unit.
Amla and Steyn will turn out for their franchise for the first time this season, and will replace Andrew Puttick and Ferisco Adams in the Cobras side.
“It's very important for them to get a feel for the team and the energy that we have,” said Adams.
“Also, because we have a long layoff between now and next Friday's final, it's crucial that we don't lose our momentum.”
The Warriors may have nothing to play for on paper aside from fourth place, but given the difficult season they have had thus far, a win could go a long way to setting them up for better results in other formats.
The Warriors lost their opening two four-day fixtures and won one of their five One-Day Cup games, and could do with a timely lift before their four-day campaign resumes.
“It's still massive in the context of the season because there's a long way to go,” said captain Colin Ingram.
“It's an opportunity for us to get out there and build on what we achieved on Sunday, because I thought we played beautifully against the Titans.” – Sapa