South Africa can stay in front with world-beater Kirsten at the wheel

South Africa are a team with few weaknesses. In Graeme Smith, they have an astute captain who is also a prolific opening batsman. There is no better No3 in world cricket than Hashim Amla and even though AB De Villiers had a quiet series with the bat in England, he is a thrilling, explosive presence at No5.

Jacques Kallis could make a persuasive case for inclusion in a world XI as a batsman or a bowler. With the ball in his hand, he is part of a pace attack that has every base covered. Morne Morkel provides height and terrifying bounce; Dale Steyn speed and stealth and Vernon Philander relentless accuracy.

In the unlikely event that not one of them manages to make a breakthrough, Smith can turn to the guile of Kallis, who has 280 Test wickets.

A glance at South Africa?s next Test tasks reveals some intriguing battles ahead. In November, Smith takes his team to Australia, who are improving under Michael Clarke?s captaincy and who are coached by Mickey Arthur, the Proteas? guide from 2005 until 2010. The three matches in Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth should push South Africa and represent an immediate examination of their No1 status.

Then, there are two more assignments which look a little more comfortable. New Zealand have been in decline at Test level for some time now and they are unlikely to worry South Africa on home turf. After those two Tests, Pakistan should provide a more substantial challenge, yet South Africa would still be confident of despatching Misbah-ul-Haq?s side. Thereafter, the question must be answered of whether their excellence can endure.

Imran Tahir?s leg spin, while useful, is not in the class of the great slow bowlers. Currently, the modest threat he poses is masked by the presence of Kallis in a four-man pace attack. Kallis has no plans to retire and South Africa manage him very carefully, yet the all-rounder is 37 in October. Whichever way you look it, the end is approaching.

Kallis?s absence would also leave the middle order with nowhere to hide. De Villiers has proven his quality with the bat but in the absence of Mark Boucher, forced to retire because of the serious eye injury he sustained at the start of the tour of England, does he continue as a wicketkeeper or resume life as a specialist batsman?

If keeping duties affect De Villiers adversely, it places even greater strain on the batting line-up. Jacques Rudolph fails to convince at No6 and in the year ahead, JP Duminy must prove he can perform consistently at the top level. Happily for South Africa, his work against England this summer suggested increasing maturity.

If Kallis is South Africa?s most potent weapon on the field, their coach Gary Kirsten is just as important off it. Kirsten, who played 101 Tests for the Proteas, has now led both India and his home country to the top of the ICC rankings. South Africa?s plans for the England batsmen were reminiscent of England?s for Australia during the

2010-11 Ashes: meticulously conceived and mercilessly executed.

Teams will always lean on their stellar cricketers. When Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath retired, Australia slipped into decline. Will the same happen to South Africa when Kallis departs? Staying at the front without him will be very difficult but with Kirsten at the wheel, they have a fighting chance of success.

Let England stars enjoy T20 thriller

THE 10th edition of Twenty20 Finals day is almost here and, whatever the views of cricket?s traditionalists, it is one of the most entertaining days of the summer.

In Cardiff on Saturday, Hampshire, Sussex, Somerset and Yorkshire will battle for supremacy, the day after England are due to play South Africa in the first one-day international at the same venue.

Many of England?s centrally-contracted players wish they could play more regularly in the domestic Twenty20 competition but the schedules usually prevent frequent participation.

Jonny Bairstow and Tim Bresnan are desperate to represent Yorkshire at the weekend; Craig Kieswetter likewise for Somerset. Let us hope their wish is granted.

Bresnan is an England regular but Bairstow and Kieswetter are key members of their counties? limited-overs plans and it would be a shame for them to miss out.

Be decisive on Pietersen, one way or other

A FINAL thought on you-know-who: the sooner the ECB put in place a definite timescale for Kevin Pietersen, the easier it will be for all concerned.

At present, we are told simply that there is much work to do before Pietersen can be reintroduced into the England squad. There will be talks with captain Andrew Strauss, and a decision on whether to offer a central contract next month.

We can assume the ECB have a broad idea of the content of Pietersen?s texts to the South Africans. To show patience is sensible, but it is fair on nobody if the situation drags for too long. After the meeting with Strauss, positions must be made clear.

Source: http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/cricket/south-africa-can-stay-in-front-with-worldbeater-kirsten-at-the-wheel-8072755.html

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