Gibson may change pace policy against Australia
South Africa coach Ottis Gibson says the Proteas will be willing to change their policy of selecting four pace bowlers in their Test team for the upcoming series against Australia.
During three-match Test series against India, Gibson said he wanted to play a four-man pace attack as often as possible in the longest format, with a six-five split between batsmen and bowlers.
However, even though they won the India series two-one, there were some concerns that the Proteas were a batsman light especially considering the poor form of wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock, who batted at number six.
Also, the pace tactic was understandable against a team from the subcontinent as they are use to playing on low and slow pitches but Australia will be a different proposition altogether.
What Gibson and the Proteas will not do in the series against the Aussies is request a certain type of surface from the curators across the country after the fiasco in the India Tests.
ALSO READ: Hazlewood: SA Test series tougher than Ashes
The Proteas coach told reporters said: “It is different opposition so therefore the make-up of the team is slightly different.
“We have to get to Durban and see what we get (in terms of the pitch).
“The last time we tried to speak to the groundsman everybody knows what happened at the Wanderers so we left the groundsman to prepare the best possible pitch and we will see what happens after that.”
Gibson is looking forward to working with some senior Proteas members again after trying some new faces in the ODI and T20I series against India.
Captain Faf du Plessis, AB de Villiers, Hashim Amla, Vernon Philander and Morne Morkel are of the names that will return against the Aussies.
Gibson said: “The seniors in any team makes it stronger, especially our guys. Our captain has been a massive loss.
“We are hoping AB’s body is better that it was in the one-dayers, we hope that he is somewhere near 100 per cent.”
The first of four Tests against Australia starts in Durban on Thursday.
By Nasri Alexander
Latest
-
NewsAli Orr helps Sussex to five-wicket win over Derbyshire
The 21-year-old opener was helped by partners Tom Alsop and Mohammad Rizwan.
-
EnglandIssy Wong living the dream as late wickets boost England against South Africa
The 20-year-old fast bowler made an impact on a rain-affected day three at Taunton.
-
EnglandEngland frustrated by the weather on third day of South Africa Test
South Africa were 51 for three at the close of play.
-
EnglandIssy Wong’s late double keeps England in control at Taunton
.England were rewarded for their patience during a lengthy rain delay.
-
EnglandJames Anderson: England’s new-found confidence unlike anything I’ve seen before
Anderson first played for his country in 2002 and has lived through more than his fair share of new eras, reboots and fresh starts.
-
EnglandEngland paceman James Anderson keen to prove fitness ahead of India Test
The 39-year-old sat out the final match against New Zealand at Headingley due to concerns over his left ankle but says it now feels “pretty good”.
-
EnglandAndrew Gale ‘not willing to engage’ in ‘tainted’ ECB racism disciplinary process
Gale denied Azeem Rafiq’s allegations against him and described him as an “embittered former colleague”.
-
EnglandMichael Vaughan ‘steps back’ from BBC work after staff raise concerns
The former England captain had recently returned to Test Match Special coverage.
-
EnglandSimon Harmer bowls Essex to thrilling win while Surrey dominate Kent
Spinner Harmer took 15 wickets in the match as his side held off Hampshire by 12 runs.
-
EnglandSciver stars and Davidson-Richards makes history – day two in the women’s Test
The England pair’s maiden Test centuries took their side past South Africa’s total at Taunton.