Proteas World Cup pieces come together

Even through a limited schedule this year, Proteas selectors have shown patience and arrived at a place where, on the eve of the squad’s departure for the World Cup, the components are getting into working order. 

Although the fast bowlers still need to improve their control and consistency, Friday night’s performance in Centurion in the fourth ODI against Australia was world’s apart from the ill-discipline seen in Bloemfontein last week.

Lungi Ngidi looked revitalised as did Kagiso Rabada, which given that the Proteas will be leaning heavily on their seamers in India, is a positive sign. While former Proteas captain Shaun Pollock believes the spinners will play a prominent role, particularly in the latter stages of the tournament, the first few weeks might be good for the seamers. 

“The surfaces we have played on there, when we’ve played neutral teams, are very different from the surfaces we’ve played on when we played (against) India,” said Pollock. 

Recalling the Champions Trophy in 2006, he said one match against Pakistan was played on a “green mamba” in Mohali. Makhaya Ntini claimed five wickets on that occasion as Pakistan were bowled out for 89. 

“That may happen again ... but I think at the back end of the tournament, should we make it through to the semis, I would be surprised if the surfaces allow us to play four (seamers),” said Pollock.

It’s why the impact of both Tabraiz Shamsi and Keshav Maharaj has been so important against Australia. Amid the seam bowlers’ struggles in Bloemfontein, Shamsi’s 4/61 in match two offered a semblance of control. In the third ODI in Potchefstroom, the spin twins, bowling in tandem, helped to turn around the series. 

Do we have cover for Jansen if he gets injured? I don’t think we do - that is a concern

—  Pollock

With South Africa’s coach Rob Walter having outlined the desire to “have four high quality fast bowlers on the park at most times” in the World Cup, the impact made by the spinners shows how crucial flexibility with selection will be in India.

“Aiden Markram is a third spinner, so if there is a surface that turns, it’s perfect; left-armer (Maharaj) and the off-spinner (Markram), who turns it away from both left and right-handed batters, and then Shamsi who goes away from both,” said Pollock.

“You could almost get 30 overs (of bowling from them), there’s no problem with that. The versatility is enough, I think there will be a lot of games where we see them play those three.”

The form of the Proteas batters provides reason for optimism too. Markram, captain Temba Bavuma — and on Friday Heinrich Klaasen — have each made hundreds in the series, crucially in different circumstances. “There is so much experience, with guys who have played a lot of IPL cricket,” said Pollock. 

Pollock’s major concern with the composition of the squad is depth in the lower order. He is, however, not as worried as some about Marco Jansen batting at No 7. “I don’t think he’s too high. You look at (Gerald) Coetzee and Maharaj to contribute too; (Jansen’s) got potential especially against certain teams. 

“Do we have cover for Jansen if he gets injured? I don’t think we do — that is a concern,” said Pollock.

As a bowler who is capable of providing cover in the lower order, Sisanda Magala’s continuing problems with his left knee is a worry. He has played just one match in the series, and looked rusty in the seven overs he bowled in Potchefstroom.

The selectors have until September 28 to finalise the squad, and Andile Phehlukwayo’s continued presence at training suggests he is in the frame for a late call-up. 

Today’s series finale also provides an interesting test of another dynamic: dealing with pressure in a “must-win” match.

“For the series to come down to a decider, will replicate some of the pressure of a World Cup,” said Australian coach Andrew McDonald. “But not totally. When you are in a tournament, the pressure is heightened, teams are tighter, there is not as much freedom, but it will be relatively close.”