Proteas bowling coach unveils strategy for Pakistan conditions

Jehran Naidoo|Published 2 weeks ago

The impact of spin at the ICC Champions Trophy remains to be determined, as pitches in Pakistan seem to be batter friendly. Tabraiz Shamsi and Co will thus have to be on point when bowling. Photo: AFP

Planning and continued execution will be paramount for the Proteas, if they are to be successful in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan, which starts this week, bowling coach Anton Roux revealed on Tuesday.

South Africa have had the opportunity to play a handful of matches on the subcontinent ahead of the tournament, revealing pitches that appear to be batting havens which have posed significant challenges for their bowlers, as conditions have offered little movement for either pace or spin.

Roux, however, maintains that while the flat surfaces may present challenges, they also afford an opportunity for all 11 players to step up when it matters most on game day.

Gearing up swiftly for the ICC Champions Trophy 🏆💪🏏🏋‍♂️.

Catch the 🇿🇦 Proteas taking on Afghanistan 🇦🇫 in their first group fixture on 21 Feb 2025 LIVE on SuperSport 📺. #WozaNawe #BePartOfIt pic.twitter.com/wPyhhN5DN7
— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) February 18, 2025

“Pace is definitely part of our weaponry,” Roux acknowledged, emphasising the importance of tailoring their approach to specific phases of the game.

“The flat pitch is how you perceive it. I think we want to see it as a challenge, especially with the inclusion of the players coming in after the tri-series. There’s not just expertise but experience that comes with that,” he added.

“One thing I do know is that on these pitches, it will take a concerted team effort, not just with the ball but also with the bat and, of course, in the field. I believe that in the end, it’s going to come down to how we execute our skill, and that’s going to take all of us, not just individuals.”

Roux underscored the depth of their strategy, stating, “We have plans for every single batsman out there.

Roux also highlighted the necessity of varying their approach, whether that entails bringing the stumps more into play or forcing batsmen to score in specific areas of the field.

Kagiso Rabada was largely ineffective on a placid pitch during the Proteas’ warm-up match on Monday. | AFP

While the spotlight is firmly on South Africa’s pace bowlers, Roux noted that integrating spin could work to the team’s advantage, contingent on the match circumstances. The Proteas have selected three spinners — Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, and Tabraiz Shamsi — while Kagiso Rabada will lead their pace attack, supported by Corbin Bosch, Marco Jansen, and potentially Lungi Ngidi, if selected.

Roux described Rabada as pivotal to the Proteas' success, stating, “The day KG walked into our camp, you could feel everyone was uplifted by his presence.

“He is a huge player for us who brings not only expertise but experience. I have no doubt he’ll be the spearhead of our attack.”

He further added, “Every game is going to be different and we need to take them as it comes. In hindsight, if you look at all the games that have been played so far, it’s very tough for spinners to make a breakthrough in the middle period.”

"It’s about being manipulative in the field,“ he continued, ”protecting the boundary, and allowing the game to squeeze to the point where the opposition is under pressure. Their hasn’t been a wicket where spinners are coming in and dominating from ball one.

Looking through the background of the Champions Trophy 💭, here are some important differences between this competition and the ICC Cricket World Cup 🏏🌎🏆.#WozaNawe #BePartOfIt #ChampionsTrophy pic.twitter.com/uottr7Ld3e
— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) February 18, 2025

“It will take every single ounce of expertise, nuance, small changes of pace, and moving your field around to create a slow pressure bubble that will, hopefully, open the gates for us so we can strike.”

The Proteas' first challenge in the tournament will be against Afghanistan on Friday. Last September, Afghanistan secured a resounding 2-0 triumph over the Proteas in an ODI series.

Additionally, several Afghan players, including Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, and Ramanullah Gurbaz, showcased their prowess in the recent SA20 league, having had the opportunity to share the field with numerous Proteas.

“Afghanistan is the first hurdle that we need to face and we are fully focused on that first game,” Roux concluded. “But when the game comes, I have no doubt the boys will be up for the challenge.”