McCullum praises Proteas pacemen

NZ captain terms South Africa bowling attack as best in world.

New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum said the South Africa pace attack – that includes Dale Steyn, Vernon Philander, Morne Morkel and Jacques Kallis – is the best in the world currently and has cited their ruthless bowling as the reason for their loss in the first Test at Newlands.

Man of the match Philander had figures of five for seven as the Black Caps were skittled for 45 while Steyn led the way in New Zealand’s second innings of 275, finishing with three for 67.

Steyn is also currently ranked first in the ICC Test bowler rankings while Philander is second and the lanky Morkel eighth.

“Their seam attack is right up there in terms of the best attacks and is certainly the number one attack in the world at the moment,” McCullum told tvnz.co.nz.

“This current South African team keeps coming hard at you and constantly puts you under pressure.”

However, there could be some respite for the Black Caps in the second Test starting on Friday, as Philander aggravated an existing hamstring injury and is doubtful to play the match at Port Elizabeth.

Meanwhile, South Africa captain Graeme Smith also lauded the efforts of his bowlers after the emphatic win.

“We bowled superbly in both new-ball spells, even in the first and second innings,” said Smith. “We were excellent in terms of the areas we hit and the intensity with which we started.

“We wanted to build on the momentum we created in 2012 and it’s been the perfect way to start our summer at home.”

Published in The Express Tribune, January 6^th, 2013.