Scouting Pact Aids Proteas

Reports & previews

Cricket365
March 16, 2007

South Africa are hoping an uncomfortable warm-up experience against Ireland could end up helping them against Holland.

South Africa are hoping an uncomfortable warm-up experience against Ireland could yet end up helping their World Cup cause in their Group A opener against Holland.
Coach Mickey Arthur explained that South Africa's brush with infamy – they looked destined for a while to lose to associate member country Ireland after being bowled out under 200 – brought with it a handy pay-off.
The Irish, regular opponents for the Dutch in world cricket's second-tier competitions, provided South Africa with information on the opponents they were scheduled to play in St Kitts today.
In return, South Africa divulged an inside track on Ireland's group opponents Pakistan – an arrangement with which Arthur was delighted.
"We have actually dug deep on the Netherlands," he said.
"We have a lot of information, video analysis – and managed to trade off with Ireland.
"They gave us info about the Netherlands; we gave some on (the Proteas' own recent opponents) Pakistan."
South Africa wicketkeeper Mark Boucher, meanwhile, revealed one of his team's key tactics at this World Cup – that he will be standing up much of the time to the pace bowlers as well as spinners.
"I think it's something that all wicketkeepers expect when they come to the West Indies, or in sub-continent conditions when you have to do that sort of thing," he said.
Holland captain Luuk van Troost was today charged with overcoming such developments – but he took a moment out of his preparations yesterday to deliver a bouncer for English rather than South African cricket.
Holland's absence from English-based one-day cricket – which has accommodated Scotland and Ireland in recent times – is annoying Van Troost.
Two Holland players currently have county contracts in England – one of them, 17-year-old Alex Kervezee, having just signed for Worcestershire.
But Van Troost said: "We've got more promising youngsters and we hope they too can sign contracts for counties.
"It's a pity we are left out of the C&G Trophy, because Scotland and Ireland are in.
"I mention it again, because I don't understand it. London to Amsterdam is closer then London to Dublin, so I see no reason why we are not in it.
"Youngsters would get a good chance to show counties we can play cricket."