Cricket
Mickey backing speed demons
2010-01-20 11:06
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Altus MombergCape Town – Proteas coach Mickey Arthur believes Morné Morkel and Dale Steyn
will take the majority of the wickets in the upcoming Test series
against India, even if South Africa have three spinners at their disposal.
Paul Harris, Johan Botha and JP Duminy are the spinners in the squad for the two-Test series against India, which starts at Nagpur on February 6.
However, Proteas coach Arthur said that the two fast bowlers will pose the biggest threat, irrespective of the pitches they play on.
“We now have a fantastic seam attack and hopefully they will only improve. We’ll be able to rely on them (bowlers such as Steyn, Morkel and Wayne Parnell) to carry our attack over the next few years,” he said.
He warned that it is still a relatively inexperienced attack and that it may be inconsistent at times.
“You will get outstanding performances, but also have to be prepared for average ones from time to time.”
The coach added that Botha will probably have to wait his turn.
“I was eager from the start to pick two spinners for the series against India and the West Indies later this year. The pitches there will also be dead,” he said.
“We were originally keen to pick Imran Tahir (a former Pakistani spinner). However, it did not work out and Johan gets another chance now.”
Arthur said that they would consider the pitch before deciding on the number of spinners in a starting team. He added that Duminy’s ability to turn the ball should not be forgotten.
“He has really been impressive and I believe he can become a very good spinner with more work,” he said.
This points to Botha having to wait his turn before being able to play for the Proteas in his third Test.
Botha views his inclusion in the Test squad as a bonus.
“To be honest, my inclusion was a big surprise. I did not expect it and it would not have been the end of the world had I never played another Test for South Africa,” Botha told
Sport24 on Tuesday.
Botha believes he is bowling well at present and cannot wait to get an opportunity.
I realise that I will have to bide my time. Harry (Harris) has bowled superbly over the past two years and is still the No 1 spinner in the team,” he said.
The big question will always be about Botha’s action. He has twice had it questioned by International Cricket Council umpires and also once by local umpires.
“I’m not currently bowling the doosra and am concentrating on my leg spin. It won’t be a problem,” he said.