Star seamer Vernon Philander looks set to miss the Proteas’ opening Test against Pakistan in Centurion due to injury.
In contrast, Hashim Amla is aiming to play himself back into form for the Cape Cobras ahead of the Boxing Day clash.
The Cobras announced on Tuesday that Philander has been ruled out of their 4-Day Series match against the Warriors in Port Elizabeth, which starts on Wednesday, with a fractured finger.
Philander had recently returned from an ankle injury and participated in the Mzansi Super League for the Durban Heat.
His teammate Amla had a tough time with the bat for Durban Heat in the T20 arena, but Cobras coach Ashwell Prince will hope that the Proteas stalwart will regain his touch by spending time at the crease in the longer format.
Another Proteas squad member in Zubayr Hamza will also turn out for the Cobras at St George’s Park, and will be keen to post a big score to push his case for Test selection.
Opener Janneman Malan has also been cleared to travel after missing the Mzansi Super League final with a stomach bug and food poisoning.
Prince said that Simon Khomari has been brought in to replace Aviwe Mgijima in the squad, while the log-leading Cobras are considering playing two spinners in PE.
“There is no weak team in the 4-Day Domestic Series. The Warriors have lost Anrich Nortje, their best fast bowler, and we want to cover all our bases and therefore have selected GF Linde as a second spinner. We are preparing for all possibilities, and will assess the conditions when we get to Port Elizabeth,” Prince said.
Cape Cobras Squad
Dane Piedt (captain), Pieter Malan, Janneman Malan, Hashim Amla, Zubayr Hamza, Kyle Verreynne, Simon Khomari, David Bedingham, Jason Smith, GF Linde, Dane Paterson, Tladi Bokako, Mthiwekhaya Nabe.
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