Leie: Spinners must control middle overs
Rookie South Africa spinner Eddie Leie has given his job a lot of thought ahead of the T20 and ODI series against New Zealand, saying his role is to control the middle overs and take wickets if possible.
Leie has played just one T20, against Bangladesh, but took three wickets for just 16 runs and was very impressive, and hopes he will be able to add to the team against the Kiwis, while doing the job he's been assigned on home soil.
Leie said: "The role of a spinner doesn't change – it doesn't matter where you play in the world or in the country. For a spinner, it's bowling the middle overs and trying to control from overs seven to 13.
"It doesn't matter what the conditions look like, you have to find a way to control the middle overs. T20 is about flair – you try to mix it up as much as you can; keep the batsmen guessing.
"You can't bowl the same thing all the time because they can just line you up so you have to mix it up and if you can get wickets in the middle overs, you ultimately will control that middle period."
Leie is set to keep his place in the side, especially as JP Duminy has been ruled out thanks to paternity leave, so Aaron Phangiso will have to battle for a place as well.
Latest
-
NewsEngland’s ‘frightening’ batting options mean the heat is always on – Jason Roy
Roy insists the competition for his role as opener will not affect the way he plays.
-
NewsJoe Root named on shortlist for ICC cricketer of the decade
Award winners will be announced in December.
-
NewsBatting strength has England in strong position for T20 World Cup – Jason Roy
Roy, Jonny Bairstow, Dawid Malan, Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler are among the options at the top of the order.
-
NewsICC elect Greg Barclay as new chairman
New Zealander Greg Barclay assumes the wheel at the ICC.
-
NewsSilverwood unlikely to try Stokes-Buttler IPL job swap for England
Ben Stokes was promoted to the top of the order and Jos Buttler slotted in down at number five for Rajasthan Royals recently.
-
NewsRassie upbeat ahead of T20 series despite contrasting build-ups
South Africa have not played together since March while England had a full international programme over the summer.
-
NewsTendulkar suggests plan to stifle Smith
Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar has offered some advice to India’s bowlers on how to deal with Australia’s star batsman Steven Smith.
-
NewsIndia suffer double blow as Rohit and Ishant ruled out
India will have to do without the services of Rohit Sharma and Ishant Sharma during the first two Tests against Australia.
-
NewsSam Curran stars as England get creative in internal T20 practice match in Paarl
Jos Buttler’s XI coasted to victory over Eoin Morgan’s team, with a second target then hastily set to gain more practice time.
-
NewsKagiso Rabada reiterates BLM support as South Africa opt against taking knee
The Proteas will not take a knee during the forthcoming series against England.