The average score in the last five games at The Oval is 332/5. No target has looked safe at the venue. But South Africa’s skipper AB de Villiers wants his bowlers to ensure Sri Lanka are not allowed any breathing space when the two sides meet on Saturday.
The AB de Villiers’ led-South Africa begin as the favourites against an unfancied Sri Lankan side. He has plenty of weaknesses to exploit against an inexperienced opposition on both batting and bowling front. But, the Proteas skipper seems to be particularly focused on getting his bowling combinations sorted out.
“That is a difficult decision, especially for a game like tomorrow’s,” de Villiers said on Friday (June 2). “We know that we have an opportunity and the ability to bowl the Sri Lankan side out. It’s a matter of getting that combination right and getting the right players on the park to do so.
South Africa will be without Dale Steyn. But, that is not going hurt their prospect. Morne Morkel, who was absent during the last time South Africa met Sri Lanka in the home series, is returning. Kagiso Rabada has transformed into a world-beating talent and is officially is the best bowler in the world.
These two will be leading a pace attack that comprises of seam bowling all-rounders Wayne Parnell, Andile Phelukwayo and Chris Morris. Choosing a bowling attack will be a huge task for AB de Villiers. One relieving fact is that every combination promises to be highly effective.
“To me, it’s really important to get your top three to four bowlers in there. Not that the all-rounders can’t take wickets but I’ll probably be leaning towards getting your best bowlers in to make sure we have our best chance to bowl them out and to get 10 wickets in the game.”
South Africa was all over Sri Lanka during the five-match home series earlier this year, beating them by a margin of 5-0. The batting order featuring Hashim Amla, Quinton de Kock, David Miller, JP Duminy apart from the skipper himself would enjoy the less lethal looking Sri Lankan bowling attack.
The start to the campaign is expected to be easy for the Proteas but in knockout tournaments, nothing can be assured.