Proteas ‘have the firepower’

BOWLING ATTACK BLESSED WITH VARIETY Fit-again Steyn the x-factor ahead of the first Sri Lanka Test.

Even in the unfriendly bowling conditions of Sri Lanka, Proteas captain Faf du Plessis said yesterday that he is backing his attack to take 20 wickets when the first Test begins in Galle today.

“To win Test matches you need 20 wickets and we have a great pace attack plus Keshav Maharaj has been an exceptional bowler for us, so we feel we have that ability to take 20 wickets. The pitch looks quite dry but we certainly still believe our three seamers can get us wickets, especially because reverse-swing is always a factor when it’s dry in the middle.

“Our pacemen have the ability to do the job on different surfaces. Kagiso Rabada is taking over Dale Steyn’s mantle, he’s got skill and pace and he learns so quickly, he’s improved both his control and his ability to reverse-swing the ball both ways since his last tour of the subcontinent. And Vernon Philander’s control is exceptional, he doesn’t offer the batsman anything,” Du Plessis said.

Steyn, although he hasn’t completed a Test since August 2016, is likely to be selected and Du Plessis is obviously hoping the great fast bowler will be able to repay the faith shown in him.

“Dale has that x-factor when he gets the ball reverse-swinging and he moves the new ball around a bit and is really consistent up front. But when he gets his tail up later on and gets a wicket, that’s when he’s most dangerous. He’s so skilful and he can get the ball to really start reversing. I’m excited to see him at top pace again, really running in and kicking those legs fast.

“I’m also expecting a big tour from Keshav. He works very hard and the majority of his Tests have been on flat pitches with no spin, but he’s already right up there in the rankings. He gives you control, which is a huge strength in all the best bowlers. So we know he’s got that, now we see what he can do when he’s got some turn to work with as well,” Du Plessis said.

The South African captain said the final selection of their XI will depend on whether they play seven batsmen or two spinners.