“We have to keep believing” – Domingo
South Africa will be living in hope that their fortune will change according to coach Russell Domingo after his side fell to a crushing 241-run defeat to England in the first Test at Kingsmead, in Durban, on Wednesday.
With Stiaan van Zyl (0 and 33), captain Hashim Amla (7 and 12) Faf du Plessis (2 and 9) JP Duminy (2 and 26) Temba Bavuma (10 and 0) managing just 101 runs in both innings between them, the Proteas batsmen have never been in greater crisis in the longest format of the game.
But Domingo dismissed any suggestion of crisis, and rather insisted something would change in the near future for his battling batsmen.
“It is a challenge to know when is enough and when you need to make a change. The calibre of Hashim Amla, Faf du Plessis, JP Duminy with proven records and performances when it counts, you know that they are just one or two knocks away from a big score. You have to keep believing,” said Domingo.
“It’s such a fine line because you can’t throw everybody out and bring in five new players. England would love that. Wouldn’t England love to bowl to five debutants? We know we have quality and the key is to get that quality to fire.”
South Africa, however, announced within minutes of the conclusion of play that the Titans duo of bowling allrounder Chris Morris and wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock had been added to the squad. Morris, Domingo said, would come in as cover for the injured Dale Steyn who will struggle to be fit in time for the second Test in Cape Town starting on Saturday.
“Chris Morris has got good first class figures. There’s some uncertainty regarding Dale Steyn [and his injury]. We feel Chris Morris can do the job.”
On Sunday rumours emerged that AB de Villiers had been considering retirement after the England series. De Villiers later did not deny the rumours but instead he said he was instead preparing to manage his workload. With De Kock added to the squad, it’s quite likely he will take over the wicketkeeping duties from De Villiers.
“AB de Villiers’ workload is always something that is being discussed. Quinton has got a lot of his runs of late batting in four day cricket at six.”
The likeliest scenario is that Kagiso Rabada will play in place of Steyn, and Temba Bavuma may lose his place for De Kock.
Proteas captain Amla said seeing his side fail with the bat left him dejected.
“It’s been very disappointing. We were in a good position after getting England out for 300. But not scoring the runs has been our Achilles heel, and that was probably the most disappointing,” said Amla.
“It’s a confidence thing. Dean Elgar started off brilliantly and he was probably the positive light for us in this Test match. He’s batted well in India and the way he batted in this game was a lesson for everybody.”
ANA
(File photo)