Pretoria – Proteas spinner Robin Peterson says he will play a holding role if selected in the first Test against the West Indies starting in Centurion on Wednesday.
Traditionally, the wicket at the Highveld ground favours fast-bowling and with much rain around in the last few days the same could be expected come day one.
“In the past it probably hasn't assisted the spinners, but what it does offer is good bounce. It's always been a wicket where seamers tend to dominate,” said Peterson.
Peterson played at the same Centurion venue in the first Test against Australia where the Proteas fell to a crushing 281 run loss this year.
In that match, Peterson bowled 34 overs, picked up three wickets at a cost of 136 runs, a commendable performance in a losing cause.
“If the wicket's not turning, I will look to keep the game tight and go a bit more defensive yet still trying to get the odd wicket here and there, and to give the seamers a little bit of a break.”
The Proteas opted for a four-seamer approach for the rest of the Australia three-match series and used a combination of the now-injured JP Duminy and Dean Elgar in the spinning role.
Then Imran Tahir was preferred for the away series against Sri Lanka where South Africa secured an historic 1-0 series win.
And in the one-off Test away to Zimbabwe in August, 24-year-old Dane Piedt made a strong debut with a wicket with his first ball in the format on the way to returning match figures of 8/152.
Piedt, however, had since injured his shoulder and was still undergoing rehabilitation, opening the door for the 35-year-old Peterson.
Peterson, however, said his selection was not overly concerning.
“I don't have sleepless nights thinking about whether I'm going to play.
“Whenever I play for South Africa and don the green and gold I try and give my 100 percent.
“I think I'm bowling a lot better right now. The ball's coming out a lot better out of my hand and I feel I can control the game a bit better. For me it's more a mental switch in my game.” – Sapa