Thursday, February 11, 2010

The over-confident South African coach

It is not an unknown fact that one victory can make anyone go over confidential like it is evident from Corrie van zyl's words after his team's 1st test win against India at Nagpur. Following that test victory, Smith looks to be ready for any challenge be it whatever. This is evident from his words when he says that he and his team mates are ready for any pitch, without realizing his team's weakness. I guess Smith must be once again reminded that he is playing in the sub continent where South Africa's performance has so far been under average, be it against India, Sri Lanka or Pakistan.

If South Africa's run in tests against Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka are considered, they have managed just two test wins since 1993 out of the 10 games that were played. And when it comes to playing India at home, South Africa have a better record compared to that against Sri Lanka. On their last tour in 2008, South Africa have managed to level the series 1-1 with another test being drawn, where Sehwag scored his 2nd triple century. Prior to that, South Africa had lost the 2 match series 0-1 after India beat South Africa by 8 wickets at Kolkata.

And against Pakistan, South Africa have yet again managed to win just two games, with Pakistan winning just one in the 7 matches that have been played between these two nations. It need not be specially cited about South Africa's lack of ability to play spin bowling especially in the sub continent conditions which are spinner friendly compared to the ones in South Africa. It was in Kolkata that South Africa had lost to India two series prior to this one. One has to surely be lying if he says that a turning track will not bother South Africa in the series.

Is it because that South Africa have won the first test and their chances of losing the series is out of question that they are ready with any sort of pitch in the 2nd test at Kolkata? Or is it because that India lack quality in the spin bowling department with Harbhajan Singh being the lone spinner of some quality? Though there is Amit Mishra, he has to make a name for himself as a noted leg spinner. One has to remind the Proteas about the way Harbhajan Singh destroyed the South African batting in the Kolkata test in 2004 by taking 7 wickets. Oh! yes..this is the first time van zyl is coaching RSA and may be he isn't aware about the past.

No comments: