The final round of the tri-series in the Caribbean is set to commence at Barbados with Australia squaring off against South Africa. South Africa currently are seated at a comfortable position as they have won both their games with bonus points. A win in their upcoming encounter could well seal their spot in the final of the tri-series.
With the game to be held in Barbados, the spin will be a crucial factor. Against the Australian batsmen, who like the ball coming onto the bat, the role of the spinners gets even more important. The South African spinners have been in great form of late, with Imran Tahir picking up a career best of 7 wickets in South Africa’s previous game. Chinaman spinner Tabraiz Shamsi too has shown positive signs.
South Africa bowling coach Claude Henderson hinted that the Proteas could field 3 spinners in their playing XI. “Barbados I’ve been told is a better batting wicket with a bit more bounce,” Henderson said. “I also believe the boundaries are also a bit bigger. Who knows, do we go in with three spinners, is that an option? “I am always in favor of spin, I feel sides don’t really prepare that well against spin like they do for pace bowling. It’s nice to have this variation for this series,” he added.
Henderson praised rookie spinner Tabraiz Shamsi for his impressive performances so far. “Tabraiz Shamsi has come in as a newcomer and gives us the variation as the china-man. Imran Tahir, in my opinion, has shown why he is the number one ODI bowler in world cricket. He has got great variation, he takes wickets and can bowl on any surface, especially when the wickets don’t spin, that is when he is dangerous,” Henderson said.
“Aaron Phangiso went through a tough time changing his action before the T20 World Cup, I still can’t believe how he did it in four days, these things normally take two to three months. He bowled beautifully against the West Indies in Guyana, it was unfortunate that we lost that game. He is a crafty left-arm spinner, he has a lot of experience, shows great control, understands the conditions, fits in the unit and does what the captain asks of him,” said Henderson about Aaron Phangiso.