Batting, bowling and fielding: these are the three disciplines that the Dolphins are struggling to master on a consistent basis, according to all-rounder Ryan McLaren.
“We’ve wanted to take the basics and apply those as consistently as possible, but we haven’t been able to do that,” he said.
“We showed good signs in the last game, against the Lions, where we fought well in the field, but then, at costly times, we dropped catches, and from a batting point of view, we’ve got to put more partnerships together.”
It’s not the most robustly optimistic prognosis ever offered before two matches that will determine whether the Dolphins reach the play-off of the Momentum One-Day Cup.
Currently bottom of the log, six points behind the third-placed team, the Dolphins begin their unlikely search for a place in the final with a match against the Warriors at Kingsmead today (2pm start).
The second fixture, unusually scheduled for Saturday at 2pm, features a match-up against the Titans.
Head coach Lance Klusener and the selection panel have named a 14-man squad not dissimilar to the one that suffered a narrow eight-run loss to the Lions late last week, and which includes Mthokozisi Shezi, who will continue his loan deal from the Cape Cobras for the remainder of the competition.
Not surprisingly, all-rounder Robbie Frylinck has not been included in the squad, despite being technically available for selection after the lifting of his suspension.
“We’ve got two games, we’ve got to win both and one with a bonus point, so it’s a good time to step up,” said McLaren. “Hopefully we can put in two really good performances that can also make the fans proud to be associated with the Dolphins.”
For the incurable optimists out there, two positive outcomes in Durban and a couple of other results in their favour could theoretically see the Dolphins finish second on the log and earn the right to host the qualifier on Wednesday, February 24.
The Warriors also have their problems. From being in pole position to reach the play-offs at the halfway stage, the Warriors suddenly find themselves fighting to get there after two defeats in three games since the resumption.
Tickets are available at www.ticketpro.co.za or at the stadium’s ticket office. Prices start at R30 for pupils and R40 for adults, and parking tickets are also available.
Dolphins (from) Morne van Wyk (capt), Craig Alexander, Cody Chetty, Sarel Erwee, Keshav Maharaj, Sibonelo Makhanya, Ryan McLaren, Ayavuya Myoli, Kyle Nipper, Andile Phehlukwayo, Calvin Savage, Mthokozisi Shezi, Vaughn van Jaarsveld, Khaya Zondo
Warriors (from): JT Smuts, Colin Ackermann, Colin Ingram (capt), Yaseen Vallie, Jerry Nqolo, Christiaan Jonker, Clyde Fortuin (w/k), Simon Harmer, Sisanda Magala, Basheeru-Deen Walters, Lundi Mbane, Ayabulela Gqamane, Michael Price, Andrew Birch
TV: SS2 and CSN from 1.45pm - The Mercury