KHURRAM HABIB

CAPE TOWN: South Africa struggling against spin in ODIS isn’t unusual. But the way they capitulated i n Sunday’s game shocked everyone.

Quite strangely, the Proteas have been publicly claiming they are preparing for the 2019 World Cup and blooding in youngsters in this series even though most of the batsmen in current XI are seniors. In the second ODI, barring Aiden Markram and Khaya Zondo, who replaced injured AB de Villiers and Faf du Plessis, all are first team players and seniors -- Hashim Amla, Quinton de Kock, JP Duminy, David Miller and Chris Morris.

Unfortunately, none of them, barring Morris, have shown the determination and skill to stay on, especially against spin.

The abysmal show prompted former South Africa paceman Fanie de Villiers to question their chances at the World Cup. “If this is the best the South Africans have, I don’t think they’ll ever win the World Cup. Because teams winning the World Cup have had quality spinners and also have been able to play spin well. Teams like Pakistan and Sri Lanka have won the Cup but not South Africa. Why? Because of the difference spin makes,” said De Villiers, whose tight and smart bowling on placid surfaces of Sharjah and India in the 90s made him one of the best ODI bowlers SA has produced.

De Villiers has a point. In its modern avatar, with coloured clothing and white ball, the World Cup has seen most champion teams rely on spinners. In 1992, Pakistan leg-spinner Mushtaq Ahmed was joint second highest wicket-taker. In 1996, the quartet of Muttiah Muralitharan, Sanath Jayasuriya, Kumar Dharmasena and Aravinda de Silva took Sri Lanka to title and in 1999, Aussie leggie Shane Warne took 20 wickets to be joint highest wicket-taker. Saqlain Mushtaq, who ended as runner-up with Pakistan was his