Winners of the MiWay T20 Challenge, the Titans will take on the Perth Scorchers in the opening game of the Karbonn Champions League Twenty20 2012 at the Supersport Park, Centurion. The skipper of the team from the host country, Martin van Jaarsveld, spoke to clt20.com at the New Wanderers Stadium ahead of the first clash of the tournament.

Although he did not reveal much about his team’s strategies going into the game, the Titans’ captain feels that they would do well if they stick to their set way of playing. Having played in CLT20 on previous occasions the Titans are experienced campaigners. And with players like Alfonso Thomas, Roelof van der Merwe, Paul Haris, Farhaan Behardien, Martin van Jaarsveld in their ranks, they are a feisty group capable of giving any opposition a run for their money. Riding on good preparation, they are excited to hit the ground running.

Excerpts from the interaction with van Jaarsveld:

On playing the opening game

It has been going on really well; actually we have had a couple of good weeks. Most of the players are in a really good space and it is exciting to get us off and running tomorrow.

On whether they have the advantage of playing in familiar conditions at home

Maybe a little bit just when it comes to the toss I think. Even though it will be early summer, the wickets might tend to be a little bit sporty. As far as the advantage is concerned, I don’t think there is much in it. I think it is more about how you play on the day, and whoever is going to turn up for the team on that day. If one of your players has a good day out, then they can win the game for you.

On their preparations for the tournament

The guys have played couple of first-class games. I think it is just a mental change that you have to make. It is about trying to hit boundaries and trying to score as quickly as you can.

On preparations for taking on the Perth Scorchers

We are going to sit down this afternoon and analyse the opposition. They have got some really good players and we are going to have to bring in our A game. The first six overs are going to be really important for us with the ball, trying to get three or four wickets upfront. And with the bat, try and lose as few wickets as possible and try and get us off to a good start.

On key to playing the shortest format of the game

We have got a certain formula, but I am not going to reveal it right now. We have become accustomed with the way we play; and hopefully if we can stick to that, we will do really well.