Keys to success for the Proteas
With the Test series on the line, South Africa must step up to topple Kiwis
WITH the first Test abandoned due to the poor condition of the outfield in Durban, the South Africans are still in the dark regarding the strength of their opponents, the Black Caps of New Zealand.
Even so, coach Russell Domingo and his backroom staff will want the players to achieve certain goals, regardless of the match’s outcome. Here, cricket writer
STUART HESS, assess the three key areas for South Africa in the second Test at Centurion, which starts today.
Assessing Conditions
The groundsman, Rudolph du Preez, is unsure how the pitch will play, even venturing South Africa may not be able to take advantage of home conditions, because well, they’re not the conditions normally associated with this venue. Du Preez and others who have looked at the pitch think it will be slower than normal. And it won’t bounce as much. As with any attempt to read conditions (besides asking Shaun Pollock’s opinion) it’s best to keep things simple. “Hopefully, (the captain) wins the toss,” chirped Vernon Philander. However they read the conditions, South Africa must do so quickly and then adjust strategies accordingly.
Being assertive
It was former skipper Graeme Smith, watching from afar, who noted that South Africa’s batsmen struggled to assert themselves in Durban. Sure conditions weren’t easy, but even in defence, batsmen can display a positive intent and with the exception of Hashim Amla and to a lesser degree Temba Bavuma, South Africa’s batsmen didn’t do that. Once conditions are assessed here, it’s important South Africa’s batsmen look to be positive. Not reckless, but more authoritative. And play with confidence.
Steyn and Philander to lead
Watching them in the 12 overs they bowled last week made viewers reflect on just how much the side has missed the pair in the last year. New Zealand’s batsmen simply couldn’t settle. Philander had a catch dropped off his bowling, Dale Steyn picked up two wickets. As Philander said yesterday, it’s important that they continue to re-establish that new ball combination. In many respects it sets the tone for how South Africa will play.