Morne Morkel spoke from the heart and meant every word in his press conference yesterday. As he stood up, having held forth on topics including the team’s state of mind, the chances of Temba Bavuma playing and, of course, the tenderness of Dale Steyn’s groin, the big guy puffed out his cheeks. The press conference had been almost as long as some of the spells he gets through out in the middle.
“We are the number one Test team in the world, so our language in the change-room is really positive. Yes, the first two Tests didn’t go our way, but we are starting fresh (tomorrow) and we are hungry to go and deliver the goods,” he maintained.
No one would doubt that he means it, too. Indeed, the Proteas have hovered between average and below average over the four days of Test cricket played thus far, and they know that there are plenty of people waiting to see their true colours.
“It’s really important to put our peg in the ground now and stand up. We’ve had some injuries on this tour, but there are no excuses from us. We need to deliver and play, hopefully, five days of good test cricket.”
The bit about playing five days may be unlikely, especially on a track that would have given the batsmen déjà vu from Mohali. It will take turn, for sure, and South Africa’s biggest selection decision will be on whether they buck the trend and play two specialist spinners.
“That is definitely an option,” Morkel pondered.
“Simon Harmer and Dane Piedt have been bowling well in nets, but the selection probably depends a lot on how Dale is doing. But an extra spinner is definitely an option here.”
Steyn bowled for a short while during yesterday’s morning session in the nets, but he never operates at full tilt, so it is hard to discern much from that. The tourists will give him every chance, though, given the importance of this match, and his influence on those around him.
“A groin is a tricky thing, but we will give him until 9am (tomorrow) to decide. For us, the positive things is that he was bowling this morning and looking good,” Morkel said cheerfully.
“I think it will be a medical call, but you don’t want select a bowler who is not 100% fit. The last thing you want as a bowling unit is for someone to break down and he can’t bowl.
“It is a bit of tough one, but I know our medical staff will make the right call. Dale is the number one bowler in the world and he is dying to get out there and do his magic, do his thing. So, fingers crossed.”
It was noted by some sharp-eyed locals that Temba Bavuma spent an extended period in the nets yesterday, working with skipper Hashim Amla.
“Does this mean Bavuma is certain to play this match?,” enquired a local scribe.
If Morkel knew more than we did, he certainly didn’t let on, playing an immaculate straight bat to the potential googly.
“I reckon the race is open for any guy to walk in the team, so let’s see on Wednesday.”
The race for batting spots doesn’t really appear very open, for now, though. The look of practices suggested that the top six is still settled, and any changes would be in the make-up of the attack.
So far, India have thrived on the back of their spinners shining, while their quicks have played bit-part roles. The idea of going into a match with just two quicks, and two specialist spinners – as well as JP Duminy and Dean Elgar – is not one that South Africa can afford to ignore.
Harmer bowled very well in Mohali, and helped provide a good mix of the control that Amla needs, and the probing that Imran Tahir provides.
Steyn’s groin will surely not be risked, not in conditions that are so spiteful to quick men.
So, for the first time in a long time, South Africa’s fate may be decided by their ability to adapt to what is in front of them, instead of relying on what they have always known. - Cape Argus