Friday's ODI in Johannesburg was a tactical battle more than most realise. Defending a total at the Wanderers is tough, partly because the white ball just seems to fly a bit further because of the altitude. Partly because the ground is not all that big.
The straight boundries only at 60 metres and square of the wicket around 80-85 metres. The ground also tends to "play small." With the carpet-like outfield, once that ball gets past the inner ring, or if you are on the boundry - it just keeps on getting away from you.
To the tactics. Chasing 304, South Africa were coasting at 180 odd for two, Gibbs out. Kallis still there with De Villiers and Duminy at the crease, you would back them to win. Ponting had to gamble and with the change of ball after 34 overs. The "new" ball had to do something.
The left-arm slingers from Mitchell Johnson and the controlled seamers from Bracken did the trick. Kallis nicks off three balls after the ball change; Duminy then falls to wild swish 8 balls later. Haddin takes both catches and the Proteas 191/4. Ponting's punt pays dividends.
A South African counter-punch? Unfortunately not. Boucher falls 4 overs later and Albie Morkel tried to attack spinner Haurtiz, but fell to catch of the season by Ben Laughlin. Game over, Maria Sharapova.
The Proteas could have counter-punched by: calling the powerplay sooner. With De Villiers and Kallis at the crease, knowing that the ball change was coming in the 34th over. Perhaps that would have forced Australia to reconsider whether it was too early to gamble with Johnson, Bracken and the "new ball." At least Ponting would have have had to reconsider.
South Africa only called for their (batting) Powerplay once Albie Morkel got out. That is, start of the 43rd over 229/6 (requiring 73 off 42) with De Villiers in and rookie Roelof Van de Merwe with him. How much chance did they stand?
The current Proteas team might well be ranked #1 in the world. But counter-punching and being alert is the difference between winning 4-1 and 3-2.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Friday, April 17, 2009
Circle the wagons
Circle the wagons and protect our own. That's what good businesses, companies and teams do. Whether the accused is right or wrong. But after the bravado of the other day coming from the Proteas, in the form of interviews from the media manager and bowling coach, they still decided to drop Johan Botha.
Pull him out of the spotlight, take the focus off him, take the pressure off him - put it however you want to. But if the camp is so convinced of the fact that he doesn't have a dodgy action, then he should've played. But this is simply equivalent to stuffing your grandmother in the cupboard to stop her saying something even more embarrassing at the dinner table.
To many out there, in terms of the rules, it may seem a rather convoluted explanation as to whether someone is "throwing" or not. What it really comes down to the the angle of flexion of the elbow when delivering. Apparently Botha was measured at 11% (you are allowed 15%) at the time of last testing when delivering the doosra. He was measured at 9% for his normal delivery.
As a bowler, you know when you are keeping you arm straight and when you are really bending it to constitute a throw. Don't let any bowler tell you otherwise. Some of the best fast bowlers chucked their bouncer. And in modern times now, it's easy to get tested and bend your arm a little bit less - which helps you to get cleared.
But that doesn't stop you going back to old ways when in the heat of battle. Let's call it gamesmanship. And remember, it not illegal as long as you don't get caught.
Pull him out of the spotlight, take the focus off him, take the pressure off him - put it however you want to. But if the camp is so convinced of the fact that he doesn't have a dodgy action, then he should've played. But this is simply equivalent to stuffing your grandmother in the cupboard to stop her saying something even more embarrassing at the dinner table.
To many out there, in terms of the rules, it may seem a rather convoluted explanation as to whether someone is "throwing" or not. What it really comes down to the the angle of flexion of the elbow when delivering. Apparently Botha was measured at 11% (you are allowed 15%) at the time of last testing when delivering the doosra. He was measured at 9% for his normal delivery.
As a bowler, you know when you are keeping you arm straight and when you are really bending it to constitute a throw. Don't let any bowler tell you otherwise. Some of the best fast bowlers chucked their bouncer. And in modern times now, it's easy to get tested and bend your arm a little bit less - which helps you to get cleared.
But that doesn't stop you going back to old ways when in the heat of battle. Let's call it gamesmanship. And remember, it not illegal as long as you don't get caught.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Mission: Possible
So much for the series going down to Game 5. Maybe I just wanted to see a good contest here in JHB on Friday. Good bowling performance to SA to keep AUS down after 129 run opening partnership. Well done Roelof and Johan Botha.
South Africa's faith in Herschelle Gibbs has certianly paid off, picking up a century today, his 21st in ODIs. To be fair in the week, Mickey Arthur called it, a match-winning innings that can be crucial. So series won and Mission: Possible.
Back to Herschelle though. 34, getting his life back on track and his coach really know that he is going to be produce 1 out of 5. So do you accept that you will be 10 for 1 with Gibbs gone early on four of these occassions?
Its really cricketing roulette. You don't know when you're going to strike it lucky.
Ok, so lets say that he goes to the T20 World Championship. June in England and he produces against Scotland in the first game. Or maybe Scotland won't see that unlucky roulette ball fall into their slot; it will be some poor other sods. But at least then 4 teams after that won't have to worry.
The Proteas will then go through the same selection conundrum whether to play someone more reliable. Will South Africa accept not winning another major trophy because of sentimental reasons?
Maybe the only person that can answer this is Herschelle Gibbs.
South Africa's faith in Herschelle Gibbs has certianly paid off, picking up a century today, his 21st in ODIs. To be fair in the week, Mickey Arthur called it, a match-winning innings that can be crucial. So series won and Mission: Possible.
Back to Herschelle though. 34, getting his life back on track and his coach really know that he is going to be produce 1 out of 5. So do you accept that you will be 10 for 1 with Gibbs gone early on four of these occassions?
Its really cricketing roulette. You don't know when you're going to strike it lucky.
Ok, so lets say that he goes to the T20 World Championship. June in England and he produces against Scotland in the first game. Or maybe Scotland won't see that unlucky roulette ball fall into their slot; it will be some poor other sods. But at least then 4 teams after that won't have to worry.
The Proteas will then go through the same selection conundrum whether to play someone more reliable. Will South Africa accept not winning another major trophy because of sentimental reasons?
Maybe the only person that can answer this is Herschelle Gibbs.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Can SA slay the Dragon at St George's?
It'll all be set up and decided in Game 5 or The Wanderers will be nothing more than a ticker-tape parade for the Proteas.
One article doing the rounds on the net suggests that history is in favour of the visitors, having won 7 out of 8 matches played there; SA go in with a 15 out of 23 record.
Hmm, that's the start of the questionable nature of this piece of "analysis". They then mention the fact that South Africa last beat the West Indies there last year. No comparison here: Australia and the West Indies are on opposite ends of the the cricket spectrum. The Proteas won that series 5-0. Caso cerrado.
To see how evenly matched these teams are in South Africa, lets go back to the last series here and the last match-up in PE. Australia won by 26 runs to keep the series alive after losing the first 2.
The visitors won by 26 runs, defending 254. Australia used Lee, Clark, Bracken and Hogg to achieve their task. The only reason why Stuart Clark and Brett Lee are not playing is due to injury (Clark arrived in SA on Sunday and looks part of future plans though; Lee is PE, but with his IPL team). Compare this with SA's bowling attack for tomorrow.
3 years ago to tomorrow - there will be no surviving bowlers. Don't fall off your extremely comfortable rocking chair when you read the names of this bowling attack, bar the first two names. Ntini, Pollock.... Telemachus, Hall, Peterson and bloody heck, Graeme Smith even sent down 4 overs! By the way, Boeta Dippenaar was part of the starting XI too. AB De Villiers got his first ODI 50 in the corresponding game.
What the comparison does show is that South Africa have progressed. They deserve their ranking as #1 team in the world now. A change in personnel, a change in thinking. But coming down from that spot has not seen Ponting's Aussies lose any of their guile or will to win.
A bowling attack that produces on the day will decide the series. On this front - South Africa have drawn an ace every time; Parnell and Van der Merwe. Australia have tried the same, but Geeves didn't get it right in Cape Town. Laughlin and Harwood don't have the quality (right now anyway; Lord knows what Hilfenhaus and Siddle could have produced if they were not being rested for the Ashes).
It is rare though that Bracken will have another bad game. The Aussies might have figured out how to play Van der Merwe.
Gut feel: See you in JHB for the decider on Friday.
One article doing the rounds on the net suggests that history is in favour of the visitors, having won 7 out of 8 matches played there; SA go in with a 15 out of 23 record.
Hmm, that's the start of the questionable nature of this piece of "analysis". They then mention the fact that South Africa last beat the West Indies there last year. No comparison here: Australia and the West Indies are on opposite ends of the the cricket spectrum. The Proteas won that series 5-0. Caso cerrado.
To see how evenly matched these teams are in South Africa, lets go back to the last series here and the last match-up in PE. Australia won by 26 runs to keep the series alive after losing the first 2.
The visitors won by 26 runs, defending 254. Australia used Lee, Clark, Bracken and Hogg to achieve their task. The only reason why Stuart Clark and Brett Lee are not playing is due to injury (Clark arrived in SA on Sunday and looks part of future plans though; Lee is PE, but with his IPL team). Compare this with SA's bowling attack for tomorrow.
3 years ago to tomorrow - there will be no surviving bowlers. Don't fall off your extremely comfortable rocking chair when you read the names of this bowling attack, bar the first two names. Ntini, Pollock.... Telemachus, Hall, Peterson and bloody heck, Graeme Smith even sent down 4 overs! By the way, Boeta Dippenaar was part of the starting XI too. AB De Villiers got his first ODI 50 in the corresponding game.
What the comparison does show is that South Africa have progressed. They deserve their ranking as #1 team in the world now. A change in personnel, a change in thinking. But coming down from that spot has not seen Ponting's Aussies lose any of their guile or will to win.
A bowling attack that produces on the day will decide the series. On this front - South Africa have drawn an ace every time; Parnell and Van der Merwe. Australia have tried the same, but Geeves didn't get it right in Cape Town. Laughlin and Harwood don't have the quality (right now anyway; Lord knows what Hilfenhaus and Siddle could have produced if they were not being rested for the Ashes).
It is rare though that Bracken will have another bad game. The Aussies might have figured out how to play Van der Merwe.
Gut feel: See you in JHB for the decider on Friday.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Amatuer Hour makes for real cricket
Amatuers. It's a rather back-handed term. But I guess they will agree that's what they are. That is, all of the prospective teams who are looking to qualify for the 2011 Cricket World Cup.
Ireland are now favourites to go through to the final showpiece in 2011. They top the standings of the Super 8 section. The other hopefuls include Kenya, Canada, UAE, Netherlands, Scotland, Namibia and Afghanistan. All of these bar Afghanistan hae taken part in World Cups previously.
But the best part about writing about all of these teams is that they are, I love to say it, real people. Sometimes when we talk to professional cricketers, no matter how young and upcoming they are, they are really just cricketers. You've heard it said a million times, they "eat, sleep and breathe the game." Overall, it makes most international cricketers as interesting another Amy Winehouse bust-up.
When Ireland got through to the Super 8 section of the 2007 World Cup, they had to ask their bosses for some more time off work. Their wives had flown back home - and then went back to the Caribbean for a bit more sunshine, rum cocktails and a bit of cricket.
Ireland do have a few professionals in their ranks. Boyd Rankin and William Porterfield play county cricket; but most of the lads (they are really "lad's lads") are talented high-schoolers and club cricketers. Beyond cricket they would be carpet salesmen, teachers and office workers with real families, real kids and real problems.
So one can imagine that it's hard to stop these boys "charging" (to the bar and around the town)after they win and move closer to the World Cup. The Irish coach is Phil Simmons, the ex-West Indian allrounder. He's has decided to put a ban alcohol for the tournament in South Africa. Well, it looks like it's working, Simmo. The Trinidadian is a big unit and could probably beat any of his squad at either a cricket or drinking contest. They are best advised to heed his words.
Talking to him before the start of the tournament he said that their preparations were good, having played something like 42 games in the run-up to SA. As things stand going into the Super 8 part of the competition: Kevin O'Brien is yet to be dismissed in his 4 innings so far, having scored 208 runs. Big Boyd Rankin and the NZ-born Regan West have picked up 8 wickets a piece so far. Ireland look set for 2011 on the sub-continent.
If they qualify for the WC, maybe then I will take Simmo and the boys out to Latinova for a drink...or ten.
Ireland are now favourites to go through to the final showpiece in 2011. They top the standings of the Super 8 section. The other hopefuls include Kenya, Canada, UAE, Netherlands, Scotland, Namibia and Afghanistan. All of these bar Afghanistan hae taken part in World Cups previously.
But the best part about writing about all of these teams is that they are, I love to say it, real people. Sometimes when we talk to professional cricketers, no matter how young and upcoming they are, they are really just cricketers. You've heard it said a million times, they "eat, sleep and breathe the game." Overall, it makes most international cricketers as interesting another Amy Winehouse bust-up.
When Ireland got through to the Super 8 section of the 2007 World Cup, they had to ask their bosses for some more time off work. Their wives had flown back home - and then went back to the Caribbean for a bit more sunshine, rum cocktails and a bit of cricket.
Ireland do have a few professionals in their ranks. Boyd Rankin and William Porterfield play county cricket; but most of the lads (they are really "lad's lads") are talented high-schoolers and club cricketers. Beyond cricket they would be carpet salesmen, teachers and office workers with real families, real kids and real problems.
So one can imagine that it's hard to stop these boys "charging" (to the bar and around the town)after they win and move closer to the World Cup. The Irish coach is Phil Simmons, the ex-West Indian allrounder. He's has decided to put a ban alcohol for the tournament in South Africa. Well, it looks like it's working, Simmo. The Trinidadian is a big unit and could probably beat any of his squad at either a cricket or drinking contest. They are best advised to heed his words.
Talking to him before the start of the tournament he said that their preparations were good, having played something like 42 games in the run-up to SA. As things stand going into the Super 8 part of the competition: Kevin O'Brien is yet to be dismissed in his 4 innings so far, having scored 208 runs. Big Boyd Rankin and the NZ-born Regan West have picked up 8 wickets a piece so far. Ireland look set for 2011 on the sub-continent.
If they qualify for the WC, maybe then I will take Simmo and the boys out to Latinova for a drink...or ten.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Spot the Difference: SA v Aus 1-1
It's like one of those pictures we used to do as kids. Draw the "x" over the all too obvious differences. On some days if you have to compare South Africa and Australia, it would be quite easy to spot the glaring differences. At times they don't look like they even belong on the same field.
First ODI sees Australia get one of the biggest scores batting first at Kingsmead -286 and South Africa skittled for 145. Second ODI sees Aussies bundled for 131 and South Africa canter home. So with a 3 days to think about where to draw the next "X" both teams move to Cape Town for a Maundy Thursday matchup.
With South Africa taking the bold step to give Roelof Van Der Merwe his debut and Parnell to step in with the new ball, it's paid off. Parnell is something of a throwback to Wasim, although nowhere near as tall. I think the speed readings were a little deceptive. (Sidebar - did you know that Hawkeye do the speed readings?)
He is not the skiddy, raw pace of Dale Steyn; or the awkward bounce of Morne Morkel when he gets it right. He can swing it in to the right-handers though. The value of this, never mind the pace, is never to be underestimated. I think the perfect example is Ryan Sidebottom. On his comeback he bowled old school stuff. 3 in, 1 away.
To the right-hander, which one can I leave, which one should I play?
As good as Parnell was for the Proteas, Haurtiz looked like he was bowling hand grenades in Durban. 4/29 in 8 overs, with South Africa prodding, flicking and slogging themselves into a humid Kingsmead mire.
In chasing down that 131 South Africa didn't really look convincing. They will still want to improve in that department. So the local net bowlers at Newlands and St George's can expect to spend their Easter weekend fishing the ball out of the nearest river.
Something else for the SA selectors to consider: Herschelle Gibbs - will he pop or flop? I would pick Amla and keep it simple up there.
Can't see the AUS selectors making too many changes - but Michael Clarke has got to start producing!
First ODI sees Australia get one of the biggest scores batting first at Kingsmead -286 and South Africa skittled for 145. Second ODI sees Aussies bundled for 131 and South Africa canter home. So with a 3 days to think about where to draw the next "X" both teams move to Cape Town for a Maundy Thursday matchup.
With South Africa taking the bold step to give Roelof Van Der Merwe his debut and Parnell to step in with the new ball, it's paid off. Parnell is something of a throwback to Wasim, although nowhere near as tall. I think the speed readings were a little deceptive. (Sidebar - did you know that Hawkeye do the speed readings?)
He is not the skiddy, raw pace of Dale Steyn; or the awkward bounce of Morne Morkel when he gets it right. He can swing it in to the right-handers though. The value of this, never mind the pace, is never to be underestimated. I think the perfect example is Ryan Sidebottom. On his comeback he bowled old school stuff. 3 in, 1 away.
To the right-hander, which one can I leave, which one should I play?
As good as Parnell was for the Proteas, Haurtiz looked like he was bowling hand grenades in Durban. 4/29 in 8 overs, with South Africa prodding, flicking and slogging themselves into a humid Kingsmead mire.
In chasing down that 131 South Africa didn't really look convincing. They will still want to improve in that department. So the local net bowlers at Newlands and St George's can expect to spend their Easter weekend fishing the ball out of the nearest river.
Something else for the SA selectors to consider: Herschelle Gibbs - will he pop or flop? I would pick Amla and keep it simple up there.
Can't see the AUS selectors making too many changes - but Michael Clarke has got to start producing!
Thursday, April 2, 2009
SA v Aus - 1st ODI
South Africa head into the 1st ODI at Durban with a great sense of purpose - and as favourites somewhat. After winning the two T20 internationals in convincing fashion, but simply showing more nerve than the Aussies, the Proteas have got no reason to doubt themselves.
South African cricket might be getting a touch carried away with their "reward for good perfomances" policy. They first kept Roelof Van der Merwe in the squad for the ODI after his unconventional batting and expert fielding and bowling performances in the second T20. Second, they award left-arm seamer Wayne Parnell with a national contract. Sure, both of them show promise. Maybe giving them a taste of the big time will keep them hungry. Only time will tell how wise these decisions are. The older lot, Andre Nel and newly-named Wisden Cricketers of the Year for 2009 Dale Benkenstein and Neil McKenzie must be cursing. Surely there is a case for CSA being ageist.
Anyway, bakc to the task at hand. Durban.
Track: Good pace and bounce; given that the game kicks off at 2:30, it often works best to bat first and back your bowlers with a swinging ball later on. It's a small ground, so runs are easy to come by, but its a ground where you can defend easily enough (unlike the Wanderers).
Conditions: Humidity does allow for the ball to swing. Bowling first can often be a tricky prospect, it is still quite hot and sapping for the rest of the game.
Teams: South Africa bringing Smith back as captain and opener. They draw great inspiration from him, but lets not underestimate the influence and performances of Johan Botha - a man who is somewhat uncomfortable with the limelight. No Kallis, which will please some quarters. But his overall calm at the crease and underrated bowling (by South Africans, but highly rated by everyone else in the world) is invaluable.
Austrlia's batters looked quite out of touch depite David Hussey, who got runs in both T20 internationals. Ponting, Mike Hussey and Michael Clarke just looked rushed and never at home in this version of the game. Look out, once again, for Marcus North. Bags of experience and a Kallis-type temprament. His off-spinners could do a job for Ponting again with a set of bowlers that is heavily reliant on the pace of Johnson and the flight and guile of the aliceband-brandishing Bracken.
Johan Botha may well be the difference, outclassing players like James Hopes and the highly-rated (for no apparent reason) Cameron White.
Series will be close though!
South African cricket might be getting a touch carried away with their "reward for good perfomances" policy. They first kept Roelof Van der Merwe in the squad for the ODI after his unconventional batting and expert fielding and bowling performances in the second T20. Second, they award left-arm seamer Wayne Parnell with a national contract. Sure, both of them show promise. Maybe giving them a taste of the big time will keep them hungry. Only time will tell how wise these decisions are. The older lot, Andre Nel and newly-named Wisden Cricketers of the Year for 2009 Dale Benkenstein and Neil McKenzie must be cursing. Surely there is a case for CSA being ageist.
Anyway, bakc to the task at hand. Durban.
Track: Good pace and bounce; given that the game kicks off at 2:30, it often works best to bat first and back your bowlers with a swinging ball later on. It's a small ground, so runs are easy to come by, but its a ground where you can defend easily enough (unlike the Wanderers).
Conditions: Humidity does allow for the ball to swing. Bowling first can often be a tricky prospect, it is still quite hot and sapping for the rest of the game.
Teams: South Africa bringing Smith back as captain and opener. They draw great inspiration from him, but lets not underestimate the influence and performances of Johan Botha - a man who is somewhat uncomfortable with the limelight. No Kallis, which will please some quarters. But his overall calm at the crease and underrated bowling (by South Africans, but highly rated by everyone else in the world) is invaluable.
Austrlia's batters looked quite out of touch depite David Hussey, who got runs in both T20 internationals. Ponting, Mike Hussey and Michael Clarke just looked rushed and never at home in this version of the game. Look out, once again, for Marcus North. Bags of experience and a Kallis-type temprament. His off-spinners could do a job for Ponting again with a set of bowlers that is heavily reliant on the pace of Johnson and the flight and guile of the aliceband-brandishing Bracken.
Johan Botha may well be the difference, outclassing players like James Hopes and the highly-rated (for no apparent reason) Cameron White.
Series will be close though!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)