Bob Woolmer
FROM THE PAVILION
‘The answer is blowing in the wind”, so goes the chorus of a famous song, something that the Eastern Province band will no doubt have in their repertoire as the South African juggernaut and the English tourists do battle at the wind-swept St George’s Park stadium.
We all know Port Elizabeth as the friendly city and some of us, particularly golfers and cricketers, as the windy city. The wind that usually prevails comes over the main stand; it is a westerly and brings the Cape cold front and rain! The key wind direction though, is the easterly. This comes off the sea and blows firmly, but gently over the new scoreboard. It either brings good weather or a day of misty drizzle if it turns on the back of a Cape cold front. Why this wind is key is a phenomenon only known to cricket, “for when this wind blows, the wickets will fall!” I know of two games especially that were affected by this wind.
The story goes back to the Indian tour in 1992/93 when then captain Kepler Wessels put India in to bat on a beautiful day and the Indians were bowled out for a measly 160-odd. This insight, of course, came from the man who put Eastern Province cricket on the map. It was, therefore, of no surprise last year that both the West Indian and the South African batsmen found the going tough, and no coincidence that the easterly blew throughout the game. This wind helps retain the moisture in the surface and thereby encourages the swing bowler. Western Province’s swing bowler Meyrick Pringle has caused havoc at St George’s Park for many seasons.
Thinking of other grounds where weather affected the game, I am reminded of the “Perth doctor” – the wind that blows off the Fremantle River at Perth – which was such an important wind for Bob Massie and Terry Alderman, two great swing bowlers brought up on that ground. Also, Hove in Sussex where the great Ian Thomson swung out the opposition on a regular basis, and Tony Buss and Tony Spencer, both medium- paced swing bowlers, but highly effective on their home grounds. I still believe that Durban’s tides have an effect on conditions there, too. The locals often talk about the north-westerly as the “batting” wind. And before those new stands in Cape Town, Dennis Hobson and Graham Chevalier used to tease the batsmen using the infamous Cape black southeaster to make the ball dip and swing for the spinners. Also, the Cape northwester can be a swing bowler’s paradise.
So much speculation, so much mystery, so much myth? Maybe they are old wives’ tales, but such is the mysteries and myths of the game of cricket that it is wonderful to believe in them. As coach, I certainly do. Old wives’ tales or not, I have seen them work and I know that superstitions run deep in the dressing rooms.
The selectors have an unenviable task on their plate. Will they pick the local boy in front of the national hero – Mornantau Hayward or Lance Klusener? (I haven’t mentioned David Terbrugge, who I rate very highly, especially in PE because of the wind and his ability to swing the ball.) “Wayward” Hayward has sprung to prominence with the Jumbos and not only is he genuinely quick, but has forced himself into the reckoning by performing so well this season. He would definitely add serious firepower to the team’s already powerful arsenal. He knows his pitch and he knows that wind! While Klusener’s batting is not in question, his inability to take wickets will eventually count against him. One cannot expect “White Lightning” (Allan Donald)and Shaun Pollock to keep churning out over after over. Yes, they are the primary wicket takers, but they will have to be supported at some stage. Funnily enough, Klusener’s future is currently tied up with Jacques Kallis’s injury. If Kallis could bowl then Klusener has to play. However, with Kallis injured, it would seem appropriate to put in another strike seamer, because if Eastern Province leave the same amount of grass on the pitch it will again nullify Paul Adams.
As a selector, one does not want to muck around with a winning team unless you can make it stronger. If South Africa can remain confident that their batting problems are behind them, then I believe they should plump for the extra bowler. Now you say, “Which one?” The answer is blowing in the wind!
ENDS