SA in Australia
Down to the wire in Aus
2009-01-19 20:02
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Craig Matthews (Gallo Images)
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Christo Buchner
Sydney. – National selector Craig Matthews expects the one-day series between South Africa and Australia to go down to the wire.
“Whoever wins the series will take it 3-2,” said Matthews.
The former Western Province paceman is encouraged by the fact that South Africa have been so competitive.
“It’s not like in the past where you could see it was just a matter of time before Australia gain the upper hand. South Africa are matching the Aussies stride for stride. That is why I expect the series to be decided in the last game,” said Matthews, who was renowned for the line and length he kept during his career.
That is also why he is well equipped to assess the bowlers in the series.
He views left-arm Aussie seamer Nathan Bracken as the best bowler in the world in one-day cricket.
“The way he bowled in the closing stages in Hobart on Sunday was exceptional. He basically ensured on his own that South Africa could not reach the winning target,” he said.
Matthews reckons South Africa lost control of the run chase by not batting fast enough in the middle overs.
“You could sense that we were going to lose as the run-rate lowered near the end. Even so, we could have reached the target had Bracken not bowled so well. That is why I think the idea of a batting power play is so brilliant. Also to take a new ball after 35 overs.
“It has become a game within a game and the team that utilises it best is likely to emerge as the winner.”
Matthews feels the best balance for the team is to play with an additional batsman and to use JP Duminy as a bowler.
“We need that additional batsman because if we choose another bowler our tail will be too long.”
He believes the ideal solution is to give Vaughn van Jaarsveld, who thus far has struggled to adapt to international cricket, another chance.