The tour that can make or break a cricketer
Graeme Smith and his team arrive in Australia with all to play for
Judhajit
25-Feb-2013
Graeme Smith and his team arrive in Australia with all to play for. They carry the hopes of many who love to hate anything Australian in sport. Pat Symcox in the South African daily, the Sunday Independent, highlights four components that need to be running hot if the visitors are to establish some dominance right at the start of the tour.
The first is the top four batters. Smith, McKenzie, Amla and Kallis will need to ensure they build solid foundations. Two of the four cannot have a poor series. Smith being the only left-hander becomes even more important in the context of the strategy.
The second aspect is the opening spell of 12 overs. Too many times Steyn and Ntini have wasted the new ball opportunity and allowed opposing batsmen to settle. They need to hit their lengths early.