Disappointing…South Africa lost to Australia in the second 20/20 match at the Gabba. Not surprising really as we didn’t even try to win.
The game was only about 3km from where we live, I am glad I didn’t go as I would have been very disappointed. Losing I can deal with…well with time anyway the pain lessens slightly…but not trying hard enough to win kills me. It has been our problem since readdmission. Conservatism, trying not to lose instead of going out to win. Instead of backing ourselves to get 200 we aim to get 150.
The problem when we bat first (and even when we bat second to an extent) is that we bat to slowly. Our game plan in limited over formats is to conserve wickets for a heave at the end of the innings. It doesn’t work. A more evenpace is much better. Going at 5 an over for the first 10 with wickets in hand means that even if you accelerate (and it is often hard to change that momentum) and get 10 an over for the last 10, you still only end up with a score of 150. This strategy is highly risky in that if you lose wickets…you are screwed. You have no come back. Rather go hard early. Aim for 8-10 an over for the first ten. Get momentum…put pressure on the opposition. Get easier runs in the middle of the innings as the field spreads more, and the bowlers then strive harder to try for that wicket delivery. Even if you lose 4-5 wickets, you can still bat sensibly say 5 overs at 8 an over, and get 10 an over for the last 5. That gets you 170 conservatively.
Overall SA cricket needs a change of attitude as Coach Arthur aims to build his 2011 world cup winning team. Nothing will change until we try winning games, take more risks and believe in our ability more.
As I stated after the tests, Johan Botha is not the right man to lead us. In Melbourne he said he struggled to get the attention of his fielders. That is one of the worst excuses for leadership I have heard. At the Gabba, it was evident he had no control. Boucher and McKenzie tried hard to show some leadership. The fact we struggle without Smith is a sad endictment for our team.
It was also sad that Parnell got a laser light shone in his eyes while trying to take a catch. I knew I should have gone to the Gabba and abused the Australians! However even I wouldn’t stoop to their level…
On to Melbourne for the ODI’s. We have never lost a ODI to Australia there. We are 5 from 5. I fear for that record on friday night. We will need better selection (I am not sure Van Jaarsveld looks to have the right technique to score quickly, Parnell looks like he will be better in a longer format of the game, and i’d like to see tsotsobe given a run); a better attitude and our big guns to fire. Gibbs will produce his customary 1 good innings in the series and struggle in 3-4 of his other innings, but Kallis, Duminy, and Amla have to make hundreds if we have any chance. Unfortunately I predict a 4-1 series win to Australia. I hope I am wrong…go Proteas!!!
