South Africa are considering an all-pace attack for the third and final Castle Lager Test against New Zealand, which starts at the Wanderers on Friday morning.
”There are a few selection things we’re looking at,” captain Graeme Smith said on Thursday. ”Whether we play an extra batter on a pitch like this, whether we play [Andrew] Hall and Polly [Shaun Pollock], which gives you the extra batter, and whether we go for an all-pace attack. Those are some of the things we will be discussing at our selection meeting tonight.
”I think the Wanderers pitch will be a challenge for New Zealand, with its pace and bounce, and I think it’s going to do a bit.
”I don’t think the pitch is going to dry up in this game. If you’re playing in the heart of the summer, the pitch does begin to crack up towards day five, but I don’t think that will happen. There isn’t enough heat, and it certainly won’t do what it would do in a December Test match.
”I believe this is one of those Tests that will be decided by key moments — when you get down to the pressure situations, someone who gets a 60 or a 70 that’s going to make the difference on a wicket like this, the bloke who bowls a really good spell, getting the ball in the right area, and holding on to catches — those are the things that going to be key on this wicket.”
Smith said Pollock, who had to withdraw from the team for the second Test in Cape Town because of lower back pain, has come through two net sessions well and he is confident that Pollock will be able to play.
The South African captain said the squad all enjoy playing at the Wanderers, and are hoping for a good result. ”There’s always a nice crowd; it’s an awesome stadium and we really enjoy playing here.
”We really want to end this season on a high note. We’re looking forward to our last match of the summer, and we’re looking forward to performing well.”
He added that the mental side of things will be very important in winning the third Test. ”The five days for us is going to be a bit of a mental push, especially for the batsmen. Out there as a batter, you’re really going to have to be focused on what you’re doing.”
His New Zealand counterpart, Stephen Fleming, said the Black Caps will have to take some risks in order to win the match and share the series, but will need to take care that they do not play at a pace that becomes reckless and presents opportunities to a good South African side.
”You have to measure up and try and find the balance between being aggressive and being too cautious. We want to try to create opportunities that will help us win the match.”
Fleming suggested that New Zealand will probably not play two spinners, as they did in Cape Town. ”Kyle Mills, who bowled very well in the first Test, can come back in. He does swing the ball, and we’d definitely be able to use that.”
Fleming said the Test is very important for both teams. ”South Africa have let it be known that this series will define their season — if they win the series, they will regard it as having been a good season. If they don’t win it, they’ll be picked apart.
”And for us, there’s a lot of pride in how we perform overseas. There are a lot of people at home who are looking to us to do well. We’ve had a good summer, and done pretty well at home, but everyone was looking forward to us doing well and finishing the season on a high note.” — Sapa