Publications
Partners
Since the Proteas world cup squad has been announced the big question in everybody's lips has been can this team go all the way? I must say I certainly believe we can but there are 4 things that need to happen for us to do so.
1. Bowling tactics
Currently AB seems to be adamant that the role of the 5th bowler should be shared between Duminy and Behardien and that they should bowl 10 overs collectively. However Duminy has proven to be one of out most economic bowlers and he should be given 10 overs on his own if he is bowling well. Steyn and Tahir will also get 10 overs each based on their recent form.
That leaves Philander and Morkel. Although both have them have proven to be match winners it is on the odd occasion that they don't get their line and length correct and they are expensive. It is on these occasions where they should not be given their 10 overs each and Behardien should get the rest.
2. Top of the log
It is imperative that the Proteas finish top of their log. A big part of their success is the confidence that they have in themselves. If they believe that they can go all the way chances are that they probably will. The choker tag in the past has been due to a disbelief on what the team is capable of which in turn has caused hesitancy in crucial situations.
Another reason the Proteas need to finish on top is because that will mean that the only meet the Aussies in the final if the Aussies also end on top of their group. The reason I believe the final is the best chance to beat the Aussies is because that is when they will be under the most pressure. On 29 March the MCG will be a pressure cooker and the home crowd will expect the maximum result.
3. AB and Amla
The Kiwis have Mccullum and Williamson, the Aussies have Warner and Smith and the Sri Lankans have Sangakarra and Jayawardena but statistically they can't keep up with Hashim and AB both in terms of average and strike rate. If both of them fire the opposition have actually a very slim chance of being competitive. If you add to that the prowess of Faf, Duminy and De Kock the Proteas look like the best unit from a batting perspective.
Many pundits will say that Miller and Behardien is a weakness at 6 and 7 but the fact of the matter is too many times they came to the crease under immense pressure and not after a good platform was built. Primarily the top 5 has to build the base of the innings and 6 and 7 just has to put in the finishing touches.
4. Winning the big moments
Whether it is holding onto a difficult catch, getting a crucial run out, bowling a great over at the depth or hitting boundaries when it matters most. These are the things that wins or loses world cups when the games are close.
A combination of luck, skill and confidence in high presssure situations will be needed if the Proteas are to bring back the trophy on the 30th of March. I firmly believe that the time is right for them to do it.
