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Change in fortunes England will have to dig deeper in fourth test
Posted: Saturday January 01, 2000 10:34 AM
CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) -- After spending three days in the third test in hot and humid Durban, England's battle-weary troops will be hoping captain Nasser Hussain will win the toss and choose to bat in the fourth test against South Africa, which begins Sunday. Ordinarily, English players are used to playing successive cricket matches. But the grind of test cricket is not what they're used to. Having had South Africa on the rack during the second, third and fourth days of the third test, only to be thwarted by a double century by Gary Kirsten, the England players will be wondering just how to get South Africa down and then deliver the coup de grace. "I'm pleased with the way things are going," said Hussain after the Durban draw, the second of the series, which South Africa leads 1-0. That said, he needs to reflect on the way in which Kirsten was able to completely shut the English bowlers out during his marathon 14-hour 38-minute 275-run innings in Durban. Even the marauding Andrew Caddick was unable to penetrate the Kirsten defense, and, as Hussain said, "Caddick was the one bowler who extracted life from a good batting pitch." With Kirsten playing the fourth test on his home ground, and South Africa buoyed by the comprehensive manner in which they saved the third test, it is England, rather than South Africa, who will be asking questions about their team selection. Alan Mullally is fit to bowl again, and, because Chris Silverwood has not worked out despite his pace, that is an obvious change to make, especially since it is believed South African batsmen struggle against left-handed quick bowlers. But, having flown Mark Ramprakash out to cover for the injured Michael Vaughan, and with Mark Butcher still having a wretched tour with the bat, the England management may be tempted to play both the now-recovered Vaughan and Ramprakash for Butcher and Darren Maddy. That's a lot of changes for a side which came so close to victory, and doesn't even take into account the fact that Darren Gough has yet to bowl with anything like the conviction he once had. South Africa, on the other hand, will note they went into the Durban test top-heavy with bowlers, and probably will recall Jonty Rhodes for Mornantau Hayward. The young fast bowler will take heart from the knowledge that Allan Donald is reaching the end of his storied career. That means the rookie will soon join forces with Shaun Pollock to form South Africa's opening attack in the new millenium. It means more bowling responsibilities for Jacques Kallis and Lance Klusener, both of whom will have to add some wicket-taking skills to their almost indispensable batting contributions. It also means captain Hansie Cronje will have to bowl more effectively at test level to offset his lack of batting success recently. "My own lack of scores recently is embarrassing," he admitted, "but I hope Newlands and 2000 will bring a change in fortunes." Rhodes' return will be welcomed by a local public, which was stunned by his omission after he scored two half-centuries, one unbeaten, in the drawn second test in Port Elizabeth. Both came as South Africa's batting was under pressure.
England SquadMark Butcher, Michael Atherton, Mark Ramprakash, Nasser Hussain (captain), Darren Maddy, Michael Vaughan, Alec Stewart, Chris Adams, Andrew Flintoff, Darren Gough, Andrew Caddick, Alan Mullally, Chris Silverwood, Phil Tufnell.South African SquadGary Kirsten, Herschelle Gibbs, Jacques Kallis, Darryll Cullinan, Hansie Cronje (captain), Jonty Rhodes, Lance Klusener, Shaun Pollock, Mark Boucher, Allan Donald, Paul Adams, Mornantau Hayward.
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