Beware of the sleepy Cobra

FAST bowler Dale Steyn admitted to "sleepwalking" through last Sunday's One-day Cup semifinal against the Titans and said he might use the same ploy again in tomorrow's final against the Highveld Lions.

Steyn took five wickets against the Titans, which played a huge part in the Cape Cobras advancing to the final at the Wanderers.

The No1-ranked Test bowler in the world had only been back in the country for 24 hours after a gruelling Australian tour and was still severely jet-lagged when called on to lead the Cobras' bowling attack against the Titans. It's a role he will have to fill again tomorrow.

"Maybe I should play in that state again," Steyn quipped when trying to explain his heroics last week, when he took 5/45, including three wickets in a single over.

"It was nice to get some wickets, especially as I walked into the side after some guys had played well over the course of the campaign to get us to the semis.

"So I didn't want to let them down, because it's not nice being forced to sit out when the national players return. I needed to step up and perform even though I was feeling pretty tired, because that's what is expected from me."

And the Cobras will be hoping for a repeat at the Bullring, although the fast bowler was unenthusiastic about the state of the pitch he might encounter in Johannesburg.

"The Wanderers is usually a pretty flat pitch and is good for batting," Steyn said. "The outfield is lightning-quick and if the ball beats the ring, it's four. So it does make bowling a challenge.

"But we've been monitoring the weather and there might be some cloud around, which could aid swing. There has also been some rain and if the pitch has been covered it could be a sporty, so we'll have to see."

The Cobras are hoping to earn their first silverware under new coach Paul Adams but will go into the match without Proteas skipper Graeme Smith and possibly all-rounder Justin Kemp.

Smith is nursing an elbow injury, while Kemp is struggling with a hamstring strain and will be replaced by Vernon Philander if he isn't fit.

"It's tough on some players to be left out with returning players such as Dale Steyn and Robin Peterson, but I have been open with them," coach Paul Adams said.

"It's a reality that when the top players return, space is made for them. It's been like that for a long time."