Vincent Barnes can improve on Ottis Gibson’ ruthless pace-bowling gameplan, writes Khalid Mohidin.
If you are a stats guru, one look at Barnes’ first-class record will have you salivating in seconds. With 323 wickets in 68 appearances, an average of 11.95 and an economy rate of 2.01, it is not hard to believe that Barnes was a feared bowler in his day.
Described as a “slingy fast bowler” Barnes was unfortunately born a generation too early, with his first-class cricket career coinciding with the isolation period between 1978 and 1994/95.
His talent was, however, recognised as a coach when he took charge of the South Africa’s U19s from 1997 to 1999. This was followed by his appointment as South Africa A coach and later assistant coach to Mickey Arthur in 2005.
More recently, Barnes was CSA’s High Performance Manager before landing another stint with the Proteas, this time as bowling coach to Enoch Nkwe.
There is no doubt that his vast experience will be valuable to the Proteas as they enter a transition phase. Particularly his understanding of fast bowling and admiration of raw pace. He also has the ability to clean up bowling actions, techniques and build tidy gameplans for the Proteas seam attack.
Probably the hardest job for Barnes is to make sure that Kagiso Rabada is managed effectively. His experience as High Performance manager should aid him in compiling an effective action plan for the Proteas’ No 1 seamer that will bring out the best in the 23-year-old and reawaken the ruthless, extreme pace he showed at the start of his career.
READ: WE NEED TO MANAGE RABADA PROPERLY
Barnes has all the knowledge to help Lungi Ngidi find his best form and style as well as Anrich Nortje, who, despite being older than his bowling partners, is inexperienced at international level.
There may be some who were hoping for a fresh face in the role, but the 59-year-old has come a long way and gained a ton of experience since he left the role of assistant coach.
With the help of Lance Klusener, the pair could bring the best out of the Proteas’ young and evolving squads.
Photo: Gavin Barker/BackpagePix
