Sydney – The last time Robin Peterson was in Australia, he played an influential role to help South Africa secure a Test series win at the Waca in 2012.
In the historic surrounds of the North Sydney Oval, Peterson bowled his first couple of deliveries on Australian soil yesterday since that outstanding performance in Perth.
He finished with six wickets in that Test with Messrs Ricky Ponting and Michael Clarke among his victims. On this occasion, it’s the limited overs formats that will occupy his attention, with the now very real possibility of making a return journey here in four months time.
Aaron Phangiso’s misfortune following an injury to his bowling hand in New Zealand has opened the door for Peterson to make it to a fourth World Cup tournament. “It’s very unfortunate. Phangy is a friend of mine but that’s sport and that’s just the way life goes. If I get an opportunity, I’m also going to try and put my hand up for a World Cup spot next year,” he said yesterday after South Africa’s T20 warm-up match at the North Sydney Oval.
If Phangiso can’t shape up in time to satisfy the selectors – he’s expected to return to play towards the end of the month – Peterson would seem an ideal option to join a 15-man squad for the World Cup. He’s experienced, with 77 ODI caps to his name, and is a robust character, who also adds good all-round skill – with the bat and in the field – along with a level of seniority.
Peterson was South Africa’s leading wicket-taker at the last World Cup with 15, but with the next tournament being played in conditions expected to be less favourable to spin, he may not be as central a figure, were he to be picked.
“You’ll probably need a little more seam bowling options in Australia to be honest,” he said.
Most unusually for a South African team – but understandable given the conditions – there were matches at the last World Cup where South Africa started with three spinners. That is unlikely to be the case next year, with Imran Tahir’s leg-spin probably going to be off-set by JP Duminy’s off-breaks. So can Peterson envision a scenario where South Africa may use two frontline spinners in the upcoming five-match ODI series against the Australians?
“If there’s a pitch that spins, there is no reason you can’t use two spinners. This is a ‘fact-finding mission’ but we won’t want to be over-analysing things to be honest.
“If there’s anywhere (in Australia) you’re likely to play two spinners, then it’s probably Melbourne – that’s where spinners have had success and maybe even the back end of the tour at the SCG (Sydney Cricket Ground). It’s not too different from South Africa, and the advantage to be gained is from the bounce in the surfaces. The outfields at certain grounds are quite big, so if a guy miss-hits, he’s out, that gives you comfort as a spinner.
“The Aussies are very aggressive against spin, which means you’re always in with a chance. They could take you down but you can also take wickets against them.”
The South Africans lost by 22 runs in a T20 warm-up match at the North Sydney Oval yesterday. Skipper Duminy won the toss and chose to bowl, but it was a lacklustre showing from the South Africans, who have spent a lot of the past week checking out the sights and sounds of this attractive city.
Kyle Abbott, was the best of the bowlers, picking up 2/22, but for young Kagiso Rabada there were some harsh lessons about maintaining consistency as he was smashed for 46 runs in his four overs.
There was a much needed confidence booster for Rilee Rossouw, who hammered 47 off 29 balls. - The Star