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Kolkata – While there is increasing pressure on the Indian spinners to spearhead a victory over South Africa in the second Test here, their South African counterpart Paul Harris is confident that he can once again play a key role in the Proteas’ success.
Harris was one of the visitors’ heroes on the last day of the first cricket Test when South Africa won by an innings and 6 runs.
The tall Protea left-arm spinner, who had been under immense pressure before the first Test, explained his bowling philosophy this week after conceding only 76 runs in 38 overs in India’s second innings.
Harris says the big secret for a bowler against India’s daunting batting line-up is patience.
“They all have big batting egos when it comes to the overseas spin-bowlers. If you can keep them quiet for a while, they will definitely try to take you on,” he said.
“They won’t knock the ball out of the way with their pads for six consecutive overs. They may do it for five overs, but after that they will take the risk. And they all did.”
Harris had an average series against England and there was a lot of speculation prior to the first Test that Johan Botha would take his place in the Test team. However, he underlined his value.
But Harris was not out to prove anyone wrong.
“I think I wanted to prove something to myself. As a South African spinner you are always in the spotlight. I took five wickets in an innings in the Centurion Test against England, but people demanded my head two Tests later. I thought it was unfair,” he said.
Harris, a former Capetonian, is unconcerned about being accused of bowling a negative line and length in the first Test.
“I think the situation in the first Test demanded it. Those middle overs are quite difficult in India. You wait until the ball allows reverse swing,” he said.
“And let’s be honest. Spinners don’t win Tests for South Africa in India. We know our pace bowlers are our strength. My role was to do a containment job until the ball started swinging again,” said Harris.
India’s top spinner Harbhajan Singh is under pressure before the second Test starts on Sunday, but believes South Africa’s batsmen should get credit for their performance in Nagpur.
“You can’t take five wickets in every innings,” Harbhajan told the Hindustan Times.
“They are here to play and not on vacation.”
He is confident that his best form is around the corner.
“I know what to do to be successful. I have the support of my team. I don’t care what anybody else says.”
Kolkata – While there is increasing pressure on the Indian spinners to spearhead a victory over South Africa in the second Test here, their South African counterpart Paul Harris is confident that he can once again play a key role in the Proteas’ success.
Harris was one of the visitors’ heroes on the last day of the first cricket Test when South Africa won by an innings and 6 runs.
The tall Protea left-arm spinner, who had been under immense pressure before the first Test, explained his bowling philosophy this week after conceding only 76 runs in 38 overs in India’s second innings.
Harris says the big secret for a bowler against India’s daunting batting line-up is patience.
“They all have big batting egos when it comes to the overseas spin-bowlers. If you can keep them quiet for a while, they will definitely try to take you on,” he said.
“They won’t knock the ball out of the way with their pads for six consecutive overs. They may do it for five overs, but after that they will take the risk. And they all did.”
Harris had an average series against England and there was a lot of speculation prior to the first Test that Johan Botha would take his place in the Test team. However, he underlined his value.
But Harris was not out to prove anyone wrong.
“I think I wanted to prove something to myself. As a South African spinner you are always in the spotlight. I took five wickets in an innings in the Centurion Test against England, but people demanded my head two Tests later. I thought it was unfair,” he said.
Harris, a former Capetonian, is unconcerned about being accused of bowling a negative line and length in the first Test.
“I think the situation in the first Test demanded it. Those middle overs are quite difficult in India. You wait until the ball allows reverse swing,” he said.
“And let’s be honest. Spinners don’t win Tests for South Africa in India. We know our pace bowlers are our strength. My role was to do a containment job until the ball started swinging again,” said Harris.
India’s top spinner Harbhajan Singh is under pressure before the second Test starts on Sunday, but believes South Africa’s batsmen should get credit for their performance in Nagpur.
“You can’t take five wickets in every innings,” Harbhajan told the Hindustan Times.
“They are here to play and not on vacation.”
He is confident that his best form is around the corner.
“I know what to do to be successful. I have the support of my team. I don’t care what anybody else says.”
