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Seconds in! South Africa's reserves can see off India
Such is the strength in depth of the Proteas' line-up, according to Greg Smith, that they could tour India with a second-string squad and still come up trumps.
by Greg Smith on 17 February 2008
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South Africa is bursting with cricket talent. The Proteas have a squad of 15 players with 10 strong contenders knocking at the door.
With this type of depth in their cricket line-up, would it be unreasonable to think that the second or B team might be strong enough for the tour of India? This might seem a bit arrogant, with Indians probably not in agreement at all, but the facts bear out this contention.
Examining the true state of affairs currently is revealing. India, on the back of a torrid Australian tour, will be deflated and have to rebuild. South Africa, on the other hand, have instilled a 'habit of winning'. The team is peaking perfectly and has the luxury of the depth described above.
With Albie and Morne Morkel firing like no other duo in cricket, the gauntlet has been laid down. Players like Jacques Kallis can be rested, with JP Duminy, Paul Harris, Johan Botha, Dale Steyn and Neil McKenzie providing more than sufficient strength to the squad.
South Africa, in their current form, could be forgiven for playing the second-string squad in India. Why would you send the big guns in, when you could easily finish off the skirmish with the light brigade?
If I was in charge of SA cricket, I wouldn't send Kallis and company to India at all. I would have them well rested for England and Australia later in the year.
Comments (7)
by Big Ted on February 24, 2008
Greg. Better get that B team on a plane to Mirpur straight away. The A Team looks like it may be going down to Bangladesh. Seems an odd way to commmence South Africa's march towards the top of the world cricket rankings by the end of 2008!
by Greg Smith on February 24, 2008
Why ? It seems Bangladesh have fallen to the classic South African warfare tactic, the textbook 'Impi' ! And you too ! (The 'Impi' philosophy dictates you must always give you're enemy the illusion of victory - looks like you know NOTHING about classic African tactics !)
Yeah, we've fielded a weak team in Bangladesh, but looks like the lads have enjoyed the practise, its the end of day 3, we need 27 runs with 6 wickets... I'll eat my hat if SA lose (and I'll eat my shorts if we lose the test series or against India !) Even with this weaker team !
by big ted on February 25, 2008
I don't bother to follow the South African Cricket Teams progress too closely. But from what I can see, the only way SA could have picked a stronger team is if they could choose players from other countries.
by Greg Smith on February 25, 2008
A third of the team rested, at least ... when Albie & Morne Morkel are firing together, and Harris is spinning his magic, while Nel is his beligerent best, then you're nearer to the A-side, with Gibbs ofcoarse doing, what only Gibbs can do... the magician ! You ain't seen nothing yet !
Yes, I ain't seen nothing yet!
... that's exactly what Pakistan, New Zealand, the Windies and Bangladesh said AFTER facing 100 to 200 overs from our quicks this season... just too quick - train your eye and you might stand a chance in 2008. England certainly don't !
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