Make the Hash Mighty Again
It’s been a slow start to the World Cup for Amla. He was tied down by some excellent tactics from the Indians in Melbourne, and wanted to dominate perhaps to soon against Zimbabwe. Amla is the most relaxed of all about it and as Du Plessis mentioned yesterday he rarely goes three games without contributing. A target for him would be to ensure he’s batting by the 10th over – runs shouldn’t concern him too much – do that and the next big score is in the offing.
Run better between the wickets
Du Plessis and De Villiers have been involved in a record number of run outs for a combination – seven. They are also two of the quickest between the wickets. Du Plessis, a less prolific boundary hitter than his big chommie, needs the quick singles and twos to get him going, so they’d better sort out their communication and understanding of the opposing side’s fielding strengths. Two run outs, as was the case in Melbourne, will leave the skipper even more furious.
What to do at NO7?
In Philander’s absence that spot is even more important. It’s been bugging the side since they were last in Australia in November and they seem no closer to solving it now.
Parnell, potentially gives the starting XI greater balance, but he bowled poorly at the MCG and his confidence took a battering.
But dump him now and you may never be able to use him again, so give him the chance (and responsibility) to redeem himself.
Get Steyn fired up
He’s struggled with the flu the past few weeks which by his own admission, it has hindered his preparation for the first two matches. Hopefully, that’s behind him now because he needs to fire. When Steyn’s fury is ignited, it filters through to the rest of the attack but if he’s feeling sorry for himself, it lets the side down. Tomorrow is as good a time as any to remind the world why he’s considered the best, and the prospect of Gayle and Samuels as targets should raise the temperature for him.
Stop Gayle
South Africa’s northern neighbours did them no favours this week, getting ‘Gramps’ to form in Canberra. Now awakened he looms as a massive threat, though one the South African attack has dealt with well recently. Gayle, pictured, has shown patience initially in his innings in this World Cup, so South Africa’s new ball bowlers – in the absence of Philander – need to employ almost a ‘Test strategy.’ Those first 10 overs are going to be crucial. - The Star