Things we’ve learned from Kingsmead

For a brief period on the second day of the rain-affected first Test, the Proteas looked like the Proteas of old, writes Zaahier Adams. Photo: Rogan Ward

For a brief period on the second day of the rain-affected first Test, the Proteas looked like the Proteas of old, writes Zaahier Adams. Photo: Rogan Ward

Published Aug 24, 2016

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For a brief period on the second day of the rain-affected first Test, the Proteas looked like the Proteas of old, writes Zaahier Adams.

1 There is life in the old dogs yet!

For a brief period on the second day of the rain-affected first Test, the Proteas looked like the Proteas of old. They had their revered new-ball partnership of Dale Steyn and Vernon Philander back in the saddle, and the duo were intent to lay down a marker. Far away from the dust bowls and humidity of India where they were last paired together, there was an overcast sky above and a green Kingsmead surface staring at them in the face.

It has never been about express pace for these two, but rather their ability to make the red cherry sing to their own tune. Steyn hit the seam with regularity early on, taking the ball away from the right-hander Martin Guptill just enough for all the New Zealand opener’s insecurities - so well-disguised against a mediocre Zimbabwe attack recently - to resurface.

And at just the right time, Steyn brought the ball back into Guptill to smash into his front pad. Guptill had survived a vociferous appeal earlier, but there were to be no further chances. The beauty of the duo during this time was Philander’s ability to trouble the left-handers - Steyn’s traditional Achilles heel - with the ball nipping across the batsmen just enough to find the outside edge. Tom Latham could not resist, only for Dean Elgar at second slip to drop the catch. Hashim Amla, at first slip though, ensured Steyn’s journey back into the Test arena remained firmly on track by holding on to a sharp chance a few overs later, when Latham once again went fishing outside the off stump.

Philander had deserved reward, but would rejoice in his good mate’s double success. On the basis of this performance there is much to look forward to at Centurion from Steyn and Philander!

2 Show Quinny some love

Most observers of Quinton de Kock’s innings on Friday afternoon would have left many thinking the young wicket-keeper had once again played a ‘reckless’ innings and that his demise was simply ‘irresponsible’ considering South Africa’s situation at the time. Initially, my thoughts were similar considering De Kock had given Black Caps spinner Mitchell Santner the charge for the first two balls of the over and despatched him for consecutive boundaries. Was it really necessary to attempt a third one after already taking eight runs off the over?

After some retrospection, I believe it was the right decision. Why? Because De Kock believed the ball was there to hit for a four again. It was simply his execution that let him down, which he will no doubt be attempting to rectify in the nets this week.

De Kock is such a precocious talent that we should never try, and more importantly, expect him to play according to what the ‘rule book’ suggests. He should be given the freedom to play as he sees fit. A bit like the Ben Stokes mantra of ‘see ball, hit ball’ and we know how much that straightforward ideology works for the talismanic England all-rounder. De Kock is only 23! His shot selection and judgement will improve. Right now, while he is still working it all out, he needs a hug more than a scolding.

3 Oh JP !sigh !

On the other end of the scale, time is certainly starting to run out on JP Duminy’s Test career. And what a sad state of affairs that is. Duminy remains one of the most talented batsmen South Africa have produced, but he just seems incapable of putting together that big score, which will underline all that ability. I fully endorse Proteas coach Russell Domigo’s decision to promote Duminy to the No 4 position at Kingsmead, as the left-hander has always tended to perform better when the innings is built around him.

Ironically, Duminy looked more assured at the crease during the first innings at Kingsmead than he has in a long time. He had a clear plan against the spin of Santner, utilising the sweep to get off strike, while he was also clear-minded enough to go down the wicket when the opportunity arose. Equally, his feet were moving sufficiently well against the seamers and he knew where his off-stump was positioned in order to leave well. But alas, the hook/pull shot once again led to his downfall. There is an argument to be made that only fine leg was back with no extra reinforcements in terms of a boundary fielder at square-leg, but unfortunately at this critical period of Duminy’s Test career he needs to be executing with clinical precision. He will most likely get another opportunity at Centurion. It could be his last, though ...

4 Last time I checked cricket was a summer sport

CSA have put out a statement citing ‘the unseasonal rain at this time of year had impacted our preparations of the newly-laid outfield’ but Test cricket in South Africa during August doesn’t sit well with me. A few ODIs and T20s can be squeezed in like it was last year against the Kiwis, but to expect five consecutive days without the weather intervening alongside the coast is highly optimistic.

With the majority of the national squad also being involved in T20 leagues all around the world during the ‘off season’, the Proteas could have been better served having a rest and recuperating for the long season ahead. – Cape Times

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