BUOYANT skipper Andrew Gale says Yorkshire have nothing to lose as they kick off their Karbonn Smart Champions League Twenty20 campaign proper today.
The White Rose side, who qualified in great style last week, tackle Australian champions the Sydney Sixers in Cape Town (12.30).
It’s a massive task for the men from Headingley, especially as the Sixers posted 185 in their win against the Chennai Super Kings on Sunday, but Gale and Co can’t wait to get cracking.
After the fast bouncy tracks of Centurian and the Wanderers, it could be that spin plays more of a part on the potentially slower early-season tracks at Newlands.
The swing of Ryan Sidebottom could also be a key factor depending on conditions under Table Mountain as Yorkshire take on a Sixers side including Aussie Mitchell Starc – on the Headingley books until only a few weeks ago – and former opening bat Michael Lumb.
“Getting through to this stage was the best moment of my career,” said Gale.
“Being in the Champions League is special and we have absolutely nothing to lose against the big sides.”
Spirit in the squad – which includes Golcar’s Eddie Wilson as back-up wicketkeeper – is second to none.
And fellow qualifiers Auckland Aces showed how it should be done last night when beating Kolkata Knight Riders.
The Indian franchise were restricted to 137-6 and that was never going to be enough.
The Aces won by seven wickets with 14 deliveries to spare.
