CHEVROLET Warriors captain Davy Jacobs believes experience could prove to be the decisive factor when the franchise takes on the Nashua Titans in their Ram Slam T20 Challenge playoff in East London tomorrow.
The Warriors won the domestic T20 competition three years ago and finished as runners-up the following season, while they also placed second in the Champions League T20 tournament in 2010.
Players of the calibre of Colin Ingram, Ashwell Prince, Rusty Theron and Jacobs were all part of the squad that established themselves as one of the best limited-overs outfits in South Africa during that period.
Jacobs said the experienced members of the squad provided vital leadership in tough matches .
“The experience is important. what you bank on in playoff matches, but you can never underestimate the exuberance of youth, players like Aya and Christiaan ,” said Jacobs .
“Ideally you want a blend of youth and experience because the experienced players can guide the youngsters in tight situations .”
But Jacobs warned that the defending champions Titans had a similar blend of players in their “wonderful squad” and would not be taking the visitors lightly. “They have come through tough times this season, and when you come through those and start playing well, you understand how important it is. In many ways they are in a similar position to us.”
The skipper said 28-year-old England international Samit Patel had fitted in almost seamlessly at the Warriors, with his powerful batting and crafty left-arm spin proving to be a valuable asset .
Though the Warriors do not usually contract overseas professionals, such has been Patel’s influence, on and off the field , that the Warriors were hoping to contract him beyond this season. “He has fitted in nicely. He backs himself more than anyone I know. He is similar to guys in our team. He wants the ball all the time and wants to make a play.
“It has been a long time since we have had an overseas pro and we will hopefully be looking to use him in all formats in the future.”
Another pleasing aspect of the Warriors’ group campaign, which saw them finish second on the log after six wins from 10 games, was the return to form of fast bowler Wayne Parnell. Parnell seems to have regained form after a string of injuries disrupted his career.
He has taken 11 wickets this season at an average of 19, and Jacobs could not be more pleased to have someone of the international paceman’s calibre on the field .
“Wayne started well in his career but then got injured and it took a while for him to get back to his best,” said Jacobs. “Wayne has something special. This year he was left to just play cricket and to spend some time playing domestic cricket.
“It has given him some time to learn about his trade and he is ready to play for South Africa again.”
The winner of the qualifying playoff will face the Highveld Lions in the T20 final at the Wanderers on Sunday.
Warriors to fight clever
The Warriors won the domestic T20 competition three years ago and finished as runners-up the following season, while they also placed second in the Champions League T20 tournament in 2010.
Players of the calibre of Colin Ingram, Ashwell Prince, Rusty Theron and Jacobs were all part of the squad that established themselves as one of the best limited-overs outfits in South Africa during that period.
Jacobs said the experienced members of the squad provided vital leadership in tough matches .
“The experience is important. what you bank on in playoff matches, but you can never underestimate the exuberance of youth, players like Aya and Christiaan ,” said Jacobs .
“Ideally you want a blend of youth and experience because the experienced players can guide the youngsters in tight situations .”
But Jacobs warned that the defending champions Titans had a similar blend of players in their “wonderful squad” and would not be taking the visitors lightly. “They have come through tough times this season, and when you come through those and start playing well, you understand how important it is. In many ways they are in a similar position to us.”
The skipper said 28-year-old England international Samit Patel had fitted in almost seamlessly at the Warriors, with his powerful batting and crafty left-arm spin proving to be a valuable asset .
Though the Warriors do not usually contract overseas professionals, such has been Patel’s influence, on and off the field , that the Warriors were hoping to contract him beyond this season. “He has fitted in nicely. He backs himself more than anyone I know. He is similar to guys in our team. He wants the ball all the time and wants to make a play.
“It has been a long time since we have had an overseas pro and we will hopefully be looking to use him in all formats in the future.”
Another pleasing aspect of the Warriors’ group campaign, which saw them finish second on the log after six wins from 10 games, was the return to form of fast bowler Wayne Parnell. Parnell seems to have regained form after a string of injuries disrupted his career.
He has taken 11 wickets this season at an average of 19, and Jacobs could not be more pleased to have someone of the international paceman’s calibre on the field .
“Wayne started well in his career but then got injured and it took a while for him to get back to his best,” said Jacobs. “Wayne has something special. This year he was left to just play cricket and to spend some time playing domestic cricket.
“It has given him some time to learn about his trade and he is ready to play for South Africa again.”
The winner of the qualifying playoff will face the Highveld Lions in the T20 final at the Wanderers on Sunday.
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