Saturday, January 2, 2010

Proteas mull over changes


South Africa are set to make at least one change in their team as they go into the crucial third Test against England, starting on Sunday in Cape Town.

The pressure is on for the home side who trail 1-0 in the series and are facing calls for wholesale changes to the team.

"We're all under pressure," admitted South African coach Mickey Arthur, who said 'tough decisions' would have to be made about the composition of the side following their crushing innings and 98 runs defeat in the second Test in Durban.

"We're 1-0 down in the series and we've got to take 20 wickets and win this Test match," said Arthur.

He said: "There may be one change, there may be two."

Possibilities

Asked whether veteran fast bowler Makhaya Ntini faced the axe, Arthur said Ntini had not been at his best in Durban, but cautioned that did not necessarily mean the only black African in the squad would be dropped.

But he also said that if Ntini won a reprieve it would not be simply because of his status as a standard-bearer for racial transformation.

"He's an icon cricketer and you tend to give icon players a longer run because they deserve it."

England, meanwhile, are concerned about the fitness of batsman Paul Collingwood, who suffered a dislocated left index finger during fielding practice in Durban.

Coach Andy Flower said Collingwood had made good progress, which included batting in the nets on Friday.

"I was pleasantly surprised because we hadn't factored in him batting today," said Flower.

"But he's still doubtful. He didn't face the quicker bowlers and he didn't do any robust fielding practice."

No comments:

Post a Comment