PAARL – The Highveld Lions have made a cautious start to their four-day clash against the Cape Cobras at Boland Park.
After a delayed start due to rain, and being inserted on a green-tinged pitch, the visitors were content to absorb the early pressure from the Cobras new-ball bowlers. The home side were without Proteas star Vernon Philander, but still had last week’s hero Dane Paterson and Tladi Bokako to call on.
Both seamers maintained the pressure through a good line outside the off-stump, but the experienced Cook and Hendricks showed good patience and judgement.
That was until Cook drove loosely at Paterson (1/19) shortly before the end of the truncated session. The ball flew off the outside edge where Zubayr Hamza took a comfortable catch at second slip to send the former Proteas Test opener back to the pavilion for 25 (43 balls, 2x4).
Hendricks (10*) and Wihan Lubbe (4*), though, ensure there were no further scares for the Lions as the visitors went to the lunch interval on 42/1 after 15 overs.
Dane Paterson in action on Day 1 of the match against the Lions in Paarl. Photo: @CobrasCricket on twitter
The teams at Boland Park
Cape Cobras: Pieter Malan, Janneman Malan, Zubayr Hamza, David Bedingham, Aviwe Mgijima, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Jason Smith, Dane Piedt, Dane Paterson, Tladi Bokako, Mthiwekhaya Nabe.
Highveld Lions: Stephen Cook, Dominic Hendricks, Wihan Lubbe, Temba Bavuma, Rassie van der Dussen, Nicky van der Bergh, Bjorn Fortuin, Zanzima Pongolo, Aaron Phangiso, Craig Alexander, Nandre Burger.