England vs South Africa - Wayward bowling could cost the Proteas - Opinion
Regardless of how potent this current South African attack is, there is no denying the fact that they would have the test of their lives in this Test Series against England. South Africa may start as favorites, yet what acts to the Poms' advantage of late,
is that they have mastered swing and seam on wickets over the summer. For the Proteas to have a chance in this series, they need to be right on the button, and dislodge the English on a frequent basis.
History has shown that Bowling attacks have been destroyed in the past regardless of how formidable they are. Such a possibility however, looks distinct for South Africa. The Proteas with their three pronged seam attack, are arguably the finest set of bowlers
to embrace the cricket pitch ever since http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746 capsized in 2008. Yet they could cost themselves badly if they have a bad day or two and miss their lengths. The problem lies not in aiming to bowl in the right areas on a consistent basis, which South Africa
is bound to avoid, but more on the psychological aspect of it. Trying too hard has proven to be suicidal for a team renowned to crack under pressure when the chips are down. Thus, predicting that it would be all smooth sailing for the Proteas would be a touch
misleading and the English would make sure that any juicy half volley or a delicious half tracker is put to the fence. It is a series of asserting one’s dominance after all.
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Dale-c52110 Steyn’s reputation as the best Test match bowler has always lied in his pinpoint accuracy and natural propensity to bowl with sheer pace. These attributes are diabolical for the batting side on just about every surface, yet as the manner in which the
first session had unfolded in the first Test at the Oval, a slight margin for error did prove costly for him. Erring in line on part of Steyn eventually lead to some fine shots being executed by the likes of http://www.senore.com/Cricket/IJL-Trott-c1576, who helped England
get to a respectable score after the early stutter at Lunch. What that session points out is that if South Africa was to lose command over their ability to bowl in the right channels, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/England-c749 could or would be able to capitalize on many occasions.
South Africa’s attack has also historically succeeded when the batsmen have been made to play and miss. Their remarkable ability to maintain a length equivalent to the corridor of uncertainty on a frequent basis has been the catalyst of quite a few batting
collapses over the years. Operating in that channel has helped create innumerable doubts for the batsman being bowled to, which need to be peculiar as to whether they are to play at the ball or leave it on length. Fishing outside the off stump is a clear indication
that the batsman is unsettled or aims to feel the bat on the ball.
South Africa is capable of doing that on a regular basis and on this English tour against in form batsmen, the game could easily slip away if Morkel, Steyn and Philander fail to get it right. It is thus, imperative that http://www.senore.com/Cricket/South-Africa-c757 bowl with the same ruthlessness
as many have associated them with.
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