Steyn back, but spinners will rule
THE INCLUSION of three frontline spinners in the 15-man Proteas Test squad for the tour to Sri Lanka indicates just how much depth there is in that area in South African cricket at present.
Even without the services of Simon Harmer, the leading wicket-taker in the Sunfoil Series last season, there is quality in South Africa’s spinning ranks that should enable the team to feel reasonably comfortable about applying pressure on the hosts, regardless of conditions (which will most likely favour spin), in the two Tests that will be played in Galle and Colombo next month.
For Keshav Maharaj it will be a first experience of sub-continent conditions since he made his Test debut in 2016. His impressive returns – 74 wickets in 20 Tests - and control in conditions which have been largely unsuitable to him are illustrative of the maturity and skill that has been a hallmark of his game in recent years.
Linda Zondi’s national selection panel backed consistency in recent seasons in their selection of Titans pair Tabraiz Shamsi and Shaun von Berg. The latter is certainly deserving of his call up given the influential role he’s played for the Titans in the last five years. The leg-spinner provides excellent control, consistency and variety with the ball.
In 96 first class matches he’s taken 345 wickets at an average of 28.31. Just as importantly, an economy rate at first class level of 3.30 indicates a bowler that is able to provide control, something Proteas captain, Faf du Plessis, puts great stock in with regards his spinner.
South Africa are thus prepared to start with two frontline spinners if conditions warrant, but that doesn’t mean they will divert too far from their traditional strengths – their fast bowling.
Dale Steyn’s call up came on the back of him getting through a one-day game and a first class match for Hampshire recently – in the latter he bowled 26 overs in the first innings against Surrey – indicate that he is getting back to peak fitness.
Steyn, who turns 35 later this month, is just three wickets shy of breaking Shaun Pollock’s national Test record of 421 wickets, and has said previously that he has many goals he still wants to reach at international level, including playing 100 Tests and getting to the next World Cup in England in 2019.
In Sri Lankan conditions, which are expected to be dry, reverse swing will be vital, Steyn and Kagiso Rabada – fit again after a back problem kept him out of the Indian Premier League – will be crucial components of South Africa’s strategy in that regard.
It was in Galle four years ago, that Steyn produced one of his finest overseas performances, claiming match figures of 9/99 to help South Africa to a series-winning triumph.
Lungi Ngidi’s presence provides the Proteas with an option should they encounter a pitch with variable bounce.
Perhaps the one area of concern is the middle order where once more without AB de Villiers at no.4, the Proteas look vulnerable.
The short Sri Lankan series provides Theunis de Bruyn with a huge opportunity to cement his name in that position.
Overall Du Plessis and coach Ottis Gibson will want greater consistency from numbers, 4,5 and 6 in the batting order.
Injuries to Du Plessis and Temba Bavuma last summer made achieving that consistency difficult, but with both back fully fit, it will be imperative that they start producing big innings’ match after match. Faf du Plessis (capt), Hashim Amla, Temba Bavuma, Quinton de Kock, Theunis de Bruyn, Dean Elgar, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Lungisani Ngidi, Vernon Philander, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Dale Shaun von Berg.