South Africa bank on spin for success

Peterson, Botha, Tahir plan Kiwi downfall.

DHAKA:

South Africa captain Graeme Smith says the shift from pace to spin could help his team beat New Zealand. South Africa, who in the past always used their fast bowlers to blow away rivals, have played three spinners to take advantage of subcontinental conditions.Smith has often handed the new ball to either off-spinner Johan Botha or left-arm spinner Robin Peterson even though South Africa boast a formidable pace attack. The gamble has appeared to work with Peterson taking 14 wickets and leg-spinner Imran Tahir taking 12 wickets.

“The thing about our spinners is they’re very different from each other,” said Smith. “They’ve all performed different roles at different times.Imran’s definitely been the more attacking option for us.

“Spinners love being here. They don’t get as much help back home, so to be able to execute their skills in these conditions is very exciting for them.”

Smith said the presence of Donald as New Zealand’s bowling coach was not worrying him. “If we stressed over a South African in another team I don’t think we’d sleep much,” he said. AFP

Published in The Express Tribune, March 25^th, 2011.