Wicket keepers in RSA (25 Nov 1997)

November 1997

Wickies

MICHAEL OWEN-SMITH

MARK BOUCHER may have the Aussie inside lane for the time being but the battle to succeed Dave Richardson as national wicketkeeper is anything but settled. It is getting hotter every week. Steve Palframan, Richardson's replacement at the last World Cup, set the ball rolling earlier this month when he equalled the world record of eight dismissals in an innings in a limited overs match. He also has the advantage of opening the batting for Boland which gives him good opportunities at his second discipline. The current SuperSport Series match between Western Province and Gauteng at Newlands has brought two of the other top contenders, Nicky Pothas and Paul Kirsten, into direct opposition. The entire third day's play was washed out yesterday by the combination of heavy morning rain and a quagmired portion of the area surrounding one corner of the square. There must, in fact, be doubt as to whether any play will be possible today, particularly if the promised rain continues. The ground has simply taken more punishment than it can handle. Frustratingly, the pitch in use is bone dry although it contains plenty of moisture - it is more like a first day wicket than a third day one - and Brett Schultz for one could make for some last-day excitement if he gets the chance. At the moment the bonus points are locked at three each. The wicketkeepers have, however, made good use of the opportunities that have come their way. Pothas took a fine legside catch on the first day to remove Ryan Maron while Kirsten produced a career best 91 not out on Saturday to match Pothas' century for Gauteng against West Indies A the week before. "This should change a few people's perception of Porky," commented coach Duncan Fletcher in reference to the fact that Kirsten has been heavily criticised in the past for limited batting ability. Kirsten did have a bit of luck, kicking one delivery from Stefan Jacobs against his stumps without being bowling and being dropped by Hussein Manack at square leg off the bowling of David Terbrugge on 78. But he did show a flair for strokemaking ability, driving confidently over the covers and playing his favourite pull shot through midwicket where his short stature enables him to attack deliveries that are not particularly short. He does get carried away every now and again but it was significant that his runs should come in partnership with experienced players in John Commins and Craig Matthews who could keep his mind on the task. "It was important that I should get a big score after that one-day knock in Port Elizabeth," Kirsten said. "I didn't want people to think that was just a flash in the pan. "I probably learned more about batting in taking my score from 50 to 90 than I have in any other innings. I hope I can at least get back out there to complete my century." His 91 is already a career best, improving on his 87 for Griquas, and he clearly has taken a liking to Gauteng bowling as his only previous SuperSport Series half-century was against the same opposition last season.

Source: MICHAEL OWEN-SMITH Contributed by management