Cricket: SA name quick-fire team
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Brute force will be the method employed by South Africa in their attempt to win this series. They announced a 12-man squad yesterday for the first Test against England, which includes five bowlers ranging from fast-medium to very fast indeed.
It is likely all five will play, unless the pitch at Centurion Park in Pretoria is expected to turn at the last minute, in which case the left- arm spinner, Clive Eksteen, will be in the XI. Even the West Indies have never employed more than four fast bowlers in any one match.
Shaun Pollock, the latest in a famous dynasty and son of the present chairman of selectors, is one of the five, and named for the first time. Peter Pollock was an outstanding fast bowler who took 116 wickets in 28 Tests and uncle Graeme, of course, was a batsman rivalled only by Sobers as the best in the world 25 years ago.
An attack comprising five quick bowlers scarcely suggests variety, but they are all different. Allan Donald's qualities are well-known - Raymond Illingworth believes him to be the best in the world at the moment - and Brett Schultz will bowl left-arm over at high velocity. He is unpredictable, with a history of knee trouble, but is strong and has genuine pace.
Craig Matthews is the stock bowler and Brian McMillan a good enough all- rounder to bat at No 6. Fanie De Villiers, second only to Donald as South Africa's leading wicket-taker since their return to Test cricket, was unavailable because of injury. Kepler Wessels, the former captain many thought might return to add ballast to the batting, told the selectors he did not wish to be considered.
Illingworth was unfazed by the apparent fusillade coming England's way. "If four fast bowlers can't do it, I don't see why five can," was his view, and it is difficult to argue with that. He is more concerned with Robin Smith and Devon Malcolm finding their form against South Africa A here on Thursday, the last game before the Test.
The opposition includes Jacques Kallis, the talented batsman from Cape Town who is applying pressure to Jonty Rhodes' Test place. Paul Adams, a left-arm Chinaman bowler with an action that requires a fair degree of contortion, is selected after just one first-class match.
SOUTH AFRICA (First Test v England, starting 16 November, Pretoria) From: A C Hudson (Natal), G Kirsten (Western Province), W J Cronje (Free State, capt), D J Cullinan (Border), J N Rhodes (Natal), B M McMillan (Western Province), D J Richardson (Eastern Province, wkt), S M Pollock (Natal), C R Matthews (Western Province), A A Donald (Free State), B N Schultz (Eastern Province), C E Eksteen (Transvaal).
n Dickie Bird is to umpire the second Test between Australia and Pakistan in Hobart from 17 to 21 November and the final Test in Sydney from 30 November to 4 December.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments