Will South Africa be able to extend their lead in the Test Ranking’s table? Part-2
Continued from Part-1…
With their batting fully covered, lets have a look at their bowling attack. It is no surprise that South African bowling is rated highly. Having the fiercest fast bowler, capable of going over 90 miles an hour, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Smith-c90598
over the years now. Bagging figures of 4-40 in the first innings against the mighty Aussies at Perth, Steyn gave a clear demonstration of how he can single-handedly demolish the opposition. Averaging under 24 in the 5-day game, there are not many bowlers around
the world who can compete with his pace and ability.
After Steyn, there comes a bowler who has the pace and the height to trouble the best batsmen around the world. Having 164 wickets under his belt, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/M-Morkel-c73528 doesn’t make it any easier for the opposition. He perfectly complements Steyn to form the most
dangerous bowling attack in the world of Test cricket.
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Vernon-Philander-c2753 has also proved his abilities with the ball and is equally effective with both the new and the old cherry. Skillful at swinging it both ways as well, Philander complements the pace duo quite well, adding variety and depth to the attack.
The only problem that http://www.senore.com/Cricket/RJ-Peterson-c2332 has somewhat
ameliorated the situation. Taking six wickets against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746 at Perth, Peterson has proved that he is a capable spinner, who can be handy with the bat as well.
As we saw, the Proteas have a dream team on paper and are certainly capable of ruling the world in the longest format; however, one maybe inclined to look towards their ‘chokers’ tag, which continues to haunt them.
Not being able to win a single World Cup despite entering the tournament every time as one of the strongest sides, the Proteas have been heavily criticised for their inability to handle pressure. However, after the recent series against the Australians,
in Australia, one can believe them if they say they are on their way to redemption. It was the sheer display of nerves throughout the whole series which pulled them through till the very end.
This year, the Proteas have played 10 Tests, out of which 9 have been away games. Not losing a single Test in the entire year, they have been more consistent than ever, defeating England and Australia, both in away Test series.
The Kangaroos remain the strongest challengers to their title; however, having beaten them recently, the Proteas have the advantage and can certainly look to make the most of it.
Their coach, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Gary-Kirsten-c58527 believes South Africa is ready to leave a legacy behind. “It's something that we've set our sights on. It's been an incredible year and it requires time for the players to reflect on that year. We wanted to become the No.1 team
in the world and then to hold that position. We accomplished two very big targets this year in England and Australia, which is just massive and now we will definitely set our sights on how we can hold that position. It is important to us, this team wants to
leave a legacy behind and we are excited by where we are at the moment.”
With their home Test series coming up against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Pakistan-c755 next year, the South Africans have a brilliant chance to further extend their lead on the points table and secure an indomitable position.
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