Why will Dale Steyn be key for South Africa?

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Dale Steyn
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Dale Steyn will be eager to hit his straps. (Photo Source: AFP)

Why will Dale Steyn be key for South Africa? : Humid conditions, dry pitches, square turners; you would probably say that spinners are the one who will dominate the proceedings between India and South Africa. Well, you are probably right. Spinners will play a big part in the upcoming Gandhi-Mandela series.

For India, it would surely be the Mishra-Ashwin duo with the responsibility of inflicting the maximum damage to the Proteas batting lineup. However, things could be a bit different for South Africa.

In this article, we would try to explain how Dale Steyn could be the most potent and lethal weapon for the Proteas even in this kind of conditions and why it’s important for Steyn to fire in order for Africa to achieve any positive results against Indian batting.

The inconsistency of Imran Tahir

In the previous few seasons, Imran Tahir has been in brilliant form for the Proteas in limited overs cricket. At one time, he was probably the best spinner in the world in white ball cricket. The leg spinner had a productive IPL season with Delhi Daredevils where he was very economical as well as the focal point of their bowling lineup.

However, things have been a bit different for him in red ball cricket. It’s no secret that the leg spinner lacks consistency and, although, that hasn’t stopped him from dominating in the ODI’s and T-20’s, Test Matches are a different cup of tea. The batsman isn’t looking to attack you and it is consistent bowling in the right areas that creates pressure in the 5-day game. With some juicy full tosses and half volleys always around the corner, it’s fair to say that Imran Tahir has been lacking that ability. You might get away, even be rewarded with that in the limited overs, but definitely not in Test cricket.

That’s why, in the perfect scenario, what Tahir would want is early wickets from his fast bowlers and also some skillful fast bowling with the old ball to cause any kind of impact in the series, which brings me to my next point.

Early Wickets

Dale Steyn, in all probability, will lead the Proteas attack upfront, and although, bowlers like Vernon Philander are well equipped to cause damage to Indian batting, major responsibility will definitely rest on the experienced and skillful shoulders of Steyn.

One of the best fast bowlers in the world, if Steyn fires up front, it will make things easier with the likes of Morne Morkel and the spinners to capitalize.

The Indian pitches might be a grave yard for fast bowlers, but one thing’s for sure; the bowl will definitely seam in the first hour of the morning and that’s why Dale Steyn becomes even more important for the tourists because if he utilizes those conditions and exposes the Indian middle order early on, things could get lot more messy for the inexperienced Indian batting.

The Reverse swing factor

No matter how dead the pitches are, if there’s one thing that’s guaranteed, it’s that the bowl will reverse, eventually. For India, Zaheer Khan used to utilize it to his advantage during his prime. Before him, it was Javagal Srinath who would fool the batsman with his old ball skills. But, the touring teams from outside the sub continent never really got hold of these skills, except South Africa. That’s why they are considered one of the best touring teams in the world.

If you remember the last time Africa toured India in 2010, it was Dale Steyn who caused havoc in the Indian batting lineup. In the first Test in Nagpur, the speedster took 10 wickets in the game helping Africa demolish the Indians by an innings and 6 runs.

Now, that pitch was in no way a fast bowlers paradise, rather it was a normal Indian track favoring the spinners. However, Dale Steyn, with his speed and the reverse swing skills completely blew away the Indian batting lineup that boasted names like Virender Sehwag, Gambhir, Tendulkar and Dhoni.

It’s no secret that the fast bowlers who are well equipped/skilled with the old ball taste success on the subcontinent pitches, that’s why there are only a few, and Dale Steyn is one of them, who has been mighty effective on the dead pitches of India.

So, in order for the South African bowling to pose serious challenge to the hosts, Dale Steyn will be the key. Next few months surely promise to be exciting!

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