A technical adjustment in the off-season aided Andrew Puttick as the World Sports Betting (WSB) Cape Cobras opener struck a superb century in the two-day warm-up game against the Warriors in Oudtshoorn.
The WSB Cape Cobras skipper, Dane Piedt, led the way as they routed the visitors for 221 in their first innings. The experienced slow bowler nipped out 4-24 in ten overs of attacking off-spin, using a fourth-stump off-side line and letting it rip.
In response, Puttick hammered 100 off 170 balls with 12 fours and a six and shared in a 170-run opening partnership with Pieter Malan, who belted 72 off 149 balls. They set up a superb 354 for seven in the first innings.
The Warriors managed 96 for two in the second innings and the valuable warm-up match ended in a stalemate.
“In the off-season, Ashwell and I worked on my set-up and my alignment, and it worked as it transitioned into my batting very positively,” said Puttick.
“What I also liked, was that it was my first outdoor action since the winter.”
Prince said Puttick scored all around the ground, handled the short balls with aplomb and got himself into strong positions. “He moved forward beautifully and it will give him that feel-good factor before the season starts.
“Pieter (Malan) is an absolute machine. He is fit and strong,” Prince added.
Jason Smith also showed his fluency while compiling 55, said the coach.
Piedt was the leading wicket-taker for South Africa A against India A with nine scalps in the off-season.
Prince said Piedt and Dane Paterson bowled with good rhythm, a testimony to the fact that they have seen some outdoor action.
Piedt did not take his four wickets because the Warriors attempted to slog and holed out to the inner ring, explained Prince.
It was the result of attacking bowling, which saw him beat the bat with excellent deliveries. He removed one of the Warriors’ top batsmen, Jon-Jon Smuts on his way to 4-24.
Vernon Philander, who has captured 171 wickets in 46 tests for South Africa, is still not 100% match fit and the WSB Cape Cobras did not select him for the first warm-up games.
He won’t be ready for the second clash starting on Tuesday 12th September at the Recreation Oval in Oudtshoorn either.
The WSB Cape Cobras’ first Sunfoil Series match of the season commences on 19th September at the Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein against the VKB Knights.
South Africa will clash with the Bangladesh Tigers in a two-match test-series starting on 28th September.