Variety gives opponents food for thought

Almost by accident, South Africa have constructed an attack with almost everything in it.

“If you look at the South African attack, there’s left-arm pace, left-arm spin, right-arm spin, high speed … there are a lot of skillsets we will have to navigate,” Australian coach Andrew McDonald said ahead of the first Test.

Not so long ago, planning to face the Proteas was relatively simple — albeit the attack was made up of some greats: Allan Donald, Makhaya Ntini, Shaun Pollock or Dale Steyn. “It has changed; it’s no longer just about a barrage of seamers,” said Paul Adams.

The attack that started the first Test against Australia comprised the towering left-arm seamer Marco Jansen, old-fashioned speed merchant Anrich Nortje, Keshav Maharaj’s left-arm spin, Simon Harmer’s off-breaks and Wiaan Mulder’s steady seam bowling at 128km/h.

In the bulk of Adams’ 45 Tests, he was the sole spinner in the starting team. When he did have another tweaker alongside him, it was for matches in the sub-continent. “It is fun to see two spinners lead the attack [in a Test in South Africa],” Adams chuckled.

SA’s injury crisis

South Africa’s hand was forced by the injury crisis that sidelined Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Ottneil Baartman and Kwena Maphaka before the Kingsmead match.

However, Proteas selectors and captain Temba Bavuma didn’t panic. Shukri Conrad and Bavuma knew they could simply pivot.

Maharaj and Harmer have been match-winners in Durban, albeit at a different time of the year and against a lesser opponent than Australia.

“I think what we’re blessed with is that whatever combination of bowlers we’re going to go with, we can take 20 wickets,” said Proteas batting coach Ashwell Prince.

Any coach would like to have options to cover whatever conditions their team might face.

—  Paul Adams

The mere fact that South Africa can change tack is a tribute to the kind of thinking engendered by Conrad but also the work overseen by director of national teams Enoch Nkwe to not only build depth but also widen the net in terms of the kind of players being developed.

“Any coach would like to have options to cover whatever conditions their team might face,” Adams said.

New tier of spinners

Adams has been tasked with helping to develop a new tier of spinners, and having Harmer and Maharaj play such primary roles for the Proteas is proving beneficial. “Watching them, seeing them almost be the main bowlers, is really an inspiration for young spinners. Guys try to imitate their heroes,” he said.

Harmer and Maharaj spun South Africa to victory in three out of four Tests last year against Pakistan and India, but their use on home soil is also a reflection of changing conditions. “Spin has come back into play domestically; these days the ball is even spinning at the Wanderers,” Adams said.

For young spinners, the path remains a difficult one to travel. “Even the guys who are there now, their journey has been tough; they’ve all spent years playing semi-pro cricket. In Simon’s case he went to the county circuit to bowl more overs and to really learn the art.”

The change in mindset for South Africa demands players being willing to make sacrifices too. “Players want to be on the park, and as a coach you have to be a good salesman; you’ve got to have good man-management skills.

“You also need players who are mature enough to understand that the attack will be made up of bowlers to suit the conditions,” Adams added.

Very consistent

On day one at Kingsmead, those conditions suited Mulder. Many were surprised that he was given use of the new ball ahead of Nortje but two wickets in the first session justified Bavuma’s decision.

“He brings a lot of control. He’s very consistent. He’s got to bore you and hit the same areas. There is a lot of pressure on him to be as consistent as he is,” Adams said.

He said the next big goal is to find a wrist spinner. Hopes remain high that 24-year-old Nqaba Peter, who played 20 international matches, will improve in the next 12 months and provide an additional, new option for next year’s World Cup.

But the variety already on offer is encouraging and gives South Africa several different looks and gives their opponents new skill sets to navigate.