An opportunity for the wounded Springboks - Part 1 - Opinion
The final ODI between England and South Africa will be played at the picturesque, Trent Bridge stadium in Nottingham. The picture has not been rosy for the Protea however, considering that they trail England by 2 games to 1. The opportunity to deny the Poms
a series win however should be a motivating factor for a side that has crippled under pressure too often for their liking.
With the score line at 2-1 and a game to go, South Africa have the chance of drawing level in the NatWest Series of 2012, and deny Alastair Cook’s team a series win for the first time in over six months. http://www.senore.com/Cricket/England-c749’s ODI form has been phenomenal to say the
least. Series victories over http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746 to the sword at home have been damning facts that the Proteas needed to swallow in the build up to this encounter. On the other hand, South Africa’s terrible performances in
the last two ODIs hinted at possible complacency and undue choking from a team which is known to capitulate under pressure. Part of http://www.senore.com/Cricket/South-Africa-c757’s misery however, has been England’s consistency and impressive set of performances from an array of top quality
players at their disposal. Nevertheless, there is not much to choose between these two sides on paper, but the possibility of a South African victory in light of their recent form on a venue such as Trent Bridge, seems distinct.
For diehard Protea fans, the glory of becoming the best Test side in the world by winning the Investec Test Series of 2012, has been overshadowed by an abysmal performance in the ODI arena against the same opposition. The lackluster nature of each of the
three departments in fielding, bowling and batting, meant that the tenacity and passion which was witnessed in white clothing was missing. South Africa could not cross the 250 mark with the bat on two occasions at Lord's and the Oval, and in the process, faltered
miserably in their futile attempt to win both games. England on the other, stayed rather unflustered, despite being rattled at times from a potent bowling attack. The difference however, has been the fact that England had looked more assured, professional
and accomplished in their approach as compared to their African counterparts. The second ODI which South Africa won comprehensively for example, hinted at a few loopholes and shortcomings. Heavy reliance on players like http://www.senore.com/Cricket/HM-Amla-c1557 to perform, and leaking
runs at a hemorrhaging rate in the death overs of that game were a few examples of blatant complacency from a talented outfit.
To brush all that aside and be positive after trailing in the series, will be difficult for this team. The Proteas, barring their occasional choking, have at times, had fought with sheer tenacity to ensure that they get back into any series of proportion.
Numerous examples of South Africa bouncing back after defeat would thus go to their credit. Yet at the same time, there have been occasions when the big moment has gotten the better out of the team, where their skills seem to evade them when they most need
it.
Victory over England would thus sooth the wounds of not being able to become the number one ODI team in the world. The script may not change however; as a solitary draw would eventually result in the Proteas remaining at number two in the http://www.senore.com/Cricket/ICC-World-Cup-2011-c100625 rankings. On
the other hand, to deny England the NatWest Trophy would be a significant achievement for a team which could not be more different than Graeme Smith’s set of players in colored clothing.
Continued in Part 2...
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