Lions Are Ready to Bounce Back Against Guyana

Johannesburg: After a few days break, the Highveld Lions were back in training on Thursday ahead of their Airtel Champions League Twenty20 match against Guyana at the Wanderers on Sunday afternoon.

The Lions, who caused an upset when they beat the star-studded Mumbai Indians in the opening CLT20 match last Friday, came down to earth with a bang at Centurion on Sunday when they were beaten by the South Australian Redbacks.

But captain Alviro Petersen was not too downcast about the result of the Lions second match.

"Against the Mumbai Indians we were brilliant, but we were just a bit off against the Redbacks," he said.  "I have no doubt that we have the skill to win, but the execution just wasn't there against the Redbacks.  Hopefully we can put it right in our next game."

Petersen said the team would be doing a lot of homework before the match against Guyana, who were totally outclassed in their match against the Royal Challenger Bangalore on Sunday, losing by a massive nine wickets.

"When we come to that pressure situation again, it's important that we stand up and are counted," he said.

He said the team were looking forward to a good crowd at the Wanderers on Sunday afternoon.

"Studies have shown that we are the most supported franchise in South Africa, and we want all our supporters to get behind us," said Petersen. "We enjoy playing in front of a big crowd, and we love the crowd support."

He said he did not expect many changes to the team for Sunday's match.

"We've got some good players like Cliffie Deacon and Craig Alexander, who are bowling well at the moment, but haven't had a game yet.  We are trying to maintain continuity, but we are also looking at horses for courses.  If we think the conditions on Sunday will suit either of them, then they'll come in.

"We know that we don't have international bowlers, and the guys are still young.  But we have depth, and if we play well as a unit, then it will be difficult to beat us," said Petersen.

Team from

Highveld Lions Alviro Petersen (capt), Jonathan Vandiar,  Richard Cameron, Vaughn van Jaarsveld,  Neil McKenzie, Robert Frylinck, Zander de Bruyn, Thami Tsolekile (wk), Shane  Burger, Aaron Phangiso, Ethan O'Reilly, Cliff Deacon, Craig Alexander, Jean  Symes, Werner Coetsee

Guyana Ramnaresh Sarwan (capt), Sewnarine Chattergoon, Royston Crandon, Narsingh Deonarine, Travis Dowlin, Christopher Barnwell, Devendra Bishoo, Derwin Christian (wk), Esuan Crandon, Jonathan Foo, Assad Fudadin, Steven Jacobs, Richard Ramdeen, Paul Wintz, Lennox Cush

Match facts
Sunday September 19, 2010
Start time 13:30 local (11:30 GMT)