Feb. 12: There is a definite shift of power in the South African bowling armoury. The bent towards spin is only understandable. The middle overs are predictable and the team that can attack with their slow bowlers will gain a head start in the World Cup. At the same time, the speedsters will have a specific role to play during powerplay and at the death.
Air speed has always been a double edged sword in Asia. Docile tracks take more out of a fast bowler. “On the flip side, pitches here have inconsistent bounce and that makes it better for bowlers like me. I enjoy operating in these conditions. Tall bowlers like Venkatesh Prasad and Javagal Srinath have done well here and I am sure air-speed will only be an asset than anything else,” said Proteas’ spearhead Morne Morkel. On the formidable partnership he enjoys with Dale Steyn, Morkel said: “Having started together and playing for the Titans we know each other well. At the same time we are different type of bowlers. I rely on bounce and seam whereas Dale is more of a swing bowler with pace. We compliment each other well and now there is a third angle in Tsotsobe who is totally different from what we do.”
For Lonwabo Tsotsobe, the challenge will be bigger. The left-armer has also had to ward off criticism about his selection.
“I can’t do anything about what people have to say back home. My job is to try harder and keep performing to the best of my abilities. The preparation has been good,” said the 26-year-old who was impressive against India at home.
He added that the retired Makhya Ntini had been his biggest inspiration, but that he is not filling in the shoes of his hero. “He was a big motivation for the entire black community but I have a role to play and I am not Ntini’s replacement.”