Proteas still troubled by middle-order concerns
WHILE it was undoubtedly a jolly train ride from London up to Manchester for the Proteas yesterday, for a couple of members of the starting XI from the first Test, there might be concerns about whether they will get another opportunity against England this week.
So dominant was South Africa’s victory at Lord’s last week, it seems churlish to nitpick the few areas that didn’t go according to plan.
However, that is exactly what Dean Elgar, in the immediate aftermath of that innings and 12-run victory, said he would be doing.
It’s the same for the national selectors, who will meet today to discuss the fall-out from Lord’s, while looking ahead to Old Trafford, where the second Test starts on Thursday.
“Given the position we were in, we could have put England under pressure a little bit more with the bat,” selection convener Victor Mpitsang said yesterday.
South Africa suffered a midinnings collapse that saw them lose five wickets for the addition of 72 runs in 25 overs.
At 210/6, when Keshav Maharaj joined Marco Jansen, they were in danger of handing back the advantage the bowlers had so superbly secured.
Jansen and Maharaj, however, smashed a tired England attack in the extended final session on the second evening, scoring at over five runs an over during their 72-run seventh wicket partnership.
“We started the innings well, lost our way in the middle, but how the lower order came and fought back was quite pleasing to see,” said Mpitsang.
“Once you have a quality team like England under pressure, you want to make sure you bat them or bowl them out of the game.
“I think that is something we could have done a little bit better.”
Mpitsang was disappointed that, particularly Rassie van der Dussen, who scored 19, and Aiden Markram, who made 16 while batting at No 4 for the first time, didn’t take advantage of the good start made by Elgar and especially Sarel Erwee, who posted a composed 73.
“Those two bring experience. We’ve seen how good Aiden has been at No 4 in 50-over and T20 cricket in the middle order.
“If they are putting up big numbers and contributing, it would help the conversation around them. The reason we’re talking about the middle-order is that consistent performances are missing.”
While there may be some whispering around Temba Bavuma’s best position in the limited overs side he captains, Lord’s eliminated any doubt as to his value as a Test batter. Bavuma, despite not making any hundreds, averages nearly
48 in the last two years and has played a crucial role in the recent improvement the Proteas have shown with the bat in the Test format.
“I’m sure (coach) Mark Boucher will be sitting (with the team) and talking about how we need to be more ruthless with our middle order batting,” said Mpitsang.
“Temba’s performances have been exceptional, along with his experience, but (his absence) is an opportunity for the other guys to step up.”