“We have to put on a good show for everyone in Pakistan as well,” said Proteas Head Coach, Mark Boucher, in his media address ahead of the South African team’s departure for Pakistan.
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Having debuted in Pakistan, Boucher recalled facing Pakistan’s fast bowlers, Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis, who were bowling reverse swing at a considerable pace.
Expecting conditions that are conducive to fast bowling, Boucher said, “I don’t know if we’re going to see a lot of that (reverse swing) now,” given “rules and regulations are tighter nowadays.” The current crop of South African bowlers, barring Kagiso Rabada, is fairly inexperienced with the reverse swinging ball.
In the South African domestic circuit, Boucher found that many bowlers were unable to control the reverse swing, but remains confident that South African bowling coach, Charl Langeveldt, and Rabada’s experience with reverse swing will help the team when they assess conditions, upon their arrival in Pakistan.
Boucher conceded that the Pakistan team will have home advantage, despite most players not having the experience of playing international cricket in Pakistan. Having spent their formative years on these pitches, along with a decade of international cricket in the UAE, Boucher believed the Pakistani team will enjoy home advantage.
With that said, Boucher was optimistic about opportunities for the Proteas batsmen to score big runs in Pakistan, which former Pakistan coach, Mickey Arthur, confirmed.
“Having spoken to Mickey Arthur, he alluded to the wickets being good for batting,” said Boucher. Up against a formidable bowling attack, Boucher said, “If we apply ourselves, there are lots of runs to be made.”
Reflecting on former Proteas all-rounder and batting consultant, Jacques Kallis’ new role with the England team, Boucher said Kallis’ absence was a “massive loss” because the team’s batters were working with him through lockdown.
In particular, Kallis was involved in practice sessions with Temba Bavuma, who spoke “very highly of him.”
“Hopefully, we can bring him back,” said Boucher.”
Currently, the Proteas management is also examining the logistics of playing the T20 series against Pakistan and preparing for a high-profile Test series against Australia. There are talks of Assistant Coach, Enoch Nkwe, staying back in Pakistan for the T20 leg of the series, while Boucher returns to South Africa to prepare for the Tests against Australia.
Full press conference:
