By Zaahier Adams
Former skipper Shaun Pollock does not believe South Africa need to hit any panic buttons ahead of the do-or-die match against New Zealand on Thursday.
The Proteas produced a dismal performance in the ICC Champions Trophy opener on Tuesday against Sri Lanka, falling short by a Duckworth Lewis-calculated 55 runs at SuperSport Park.
"The guys were definitely a little rusty," said Pollock. "They were guilty of bowling both sides of the wicket. That's always the case when a team returns from a break."
Pollock was one of the most miserly opening bowlers for South Africa The Sri Lankan opening pair of Dilshan and Sanath Jayasuriya placed young opening bowler Wayne Parnell under pressure from the outset, which was later continued by Mahela Jayawardene. Parnell eventually picked up three wickets, but leaked 79 runs.
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Albie Morkel's persistent struggles as the fifth bowler also continued as the all-rounder conceded nearly 10 runs to the over.
South Africa are fortunate, though, to have sufficient options should they wish to change any of the personnel for the clash against the Kiwis. Makhaya Ntini offers the experience of 173 ODIs, while Lonwabo Tsotsobe is also an exciting left-arm prospect.
But Pollock, who was one of the most miserly opening bowlers for South Africa, doesn't believe the time for change has come just yet.
"Who knows what Makhaya would have gone for on that wicket? You don't know. Dilshan played a great innings and he never allowed the bowlers to settle," Pollock said. "There are days when a batsmen goes after a bowler and succeeds, and yesterday was one of them."
'Every game from here on is a must-win' And Pollock understands the pressure which Smith's men are now under better than most - he was at the helm of the Proteas ship during the 2003 World Cup when his team lost the opening game.
"They are under pressure now because every game from here on is a must-win but they have enough quality to bounce back," he said. "They have now played a game and will be more match-ready on Thursday."
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This article was originally published on page 32 of Cape Argus on September 23, 2009
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