Sports

New Zealand keen on countering SA’s pace

Kiwis step up bowling attack in practice sessions.

Afp January 10, 2013 1 min read

McCullum’s side will go in the match seeking to draw the series and consequently gaining four points in the ICC Test rankings. PHOTO: AFP

PORT ELIZABETH: New Zealand batsmen were subjected to a barrage of hostile deliveries from their own bowlers as they prepared to combat South Africa’s formidable attack in the second and final Test against South Africa starting at St George’s Park today.

“Now that you know the challenge, the intensity and attitude that you put into training has to be as close to a match as possible,” said fast-bowler Chris Martin while explaining his team’s unorthodox preparation.

New Zealand were blown away for 45 in the first-innings of the first Test in Cape Town on the way to defeat by an innings and 27 runs. The damage was done by South Africa’s pace trio of Vernon Philander, Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel. Although Philander will miss the second Test because of a hamstring strain, New Zealand’s batsmen will again face a formidable challenge from Steyn, Morkel, Jacques Kallis and Rory Kleinveldt, who will replace Philander.

“It’s hard to imagine facing Steyn, Morkel and Philander in the nets,” said Martin. “But as a group of bowlers we’re trying to lift the ante a little against our batters to make sure they get what they need out of training, a little more hostility, more aggression.”

There is such a wide gulf between South Africa and eighth-ranked New Zealand that the host nation will drop a point on the International Cricket Council (ICC) rankings if they win the series 1-0. They will only gain one point if they complete the sweep, whereas they will lose four – and New Zealand will gain the same number – if the tourists defy the odds and square the series.

New Zealand are unlikely to encounter conditions as bowler-friendly as they were on the first day at Newlands. The St George’s Park pitch has traditionally had less pace and bounce than other Test venues in South Africa.

South Africa will again start as favourites. All of their top five batsmen are ranked inside the top-20, whereas the highest-placed New Zealander in the touring party is captain Brendon McCullum at 25.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 11^th, 2013.