bizhub Highveld Lions will welcome a trio of key bowlers back into their attack for today, Janaury 30, the crucial Momentum One-Day Cup clash with the Chevrolet Knights at Bidvest Wanderers.
The Lions included two debutants in their bowling attack last week, after finding themselves short on options, but Kagiso Rabada and Eddie Leie have been released from the South Africa A squad and Hardus Viljoen will make his return from injury.
“Hardus has been out for two or three months, and he’ll be back in the team,” coach Geoffrey Toyana confirmed.
“Our youngsters did well last week in difficult circumstances, but it might be different this week, because all the big dogs are coming back.”
Both Toyana and Knights captain Werner Coetsee expressed the opinion that they remain in charge of their own destinies, although that will not be the case for one of them after Friday’s game.
The Knights are currently seven points behind the third-placed Lions, making victory for them crucial if they are to stay in the running.
They will, however, be without star batsman Reeza Hendricks, whose duties with South Africa A mean that Gerhardt Abrahams will return to the top of the order.
Tumelo Bodibe has re-injured his shoulder and remains unavailable, while Duanne Olivier also needs more time to recover.
After a disappointing defeat to the Titans last week, in which Dean Elgar’s late blast brought him 98 off 45 balls, the Knights have focused their attention on their death bowling.
“We’ve been talking about our last 10 overs as a bowling unit, and then just fine-tuning our game plan and execution,” Coetsee said.
Head to head – bizhub Highveld Lions vs. Chevrolet Knights
Matches played 21
Lions win 5
Knights win 15
No result 1
