The Proteas cricket team is weighing up the possibility of using a double-spin attack in the upcoming Test series against Australia, starting on October 9 at Kingsmead. Coach Shukri Conrad has stacked the squad with spinners Keshav Maharaj, Simon Harmer, and Senuran Muthusamy, who were successful on the team's recent tours to Pakistan and India. This move is seen as a strategic decision, especially with the team's fast-bowling stocks decimated by hamstring injuries to Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Ottneil Baartman, and Kwena Maphaka.
The possible inclusion of two specialist spinners in the Test starting XI could be influenced by Australia's struggles against spin in the ongoing ODI series. Maharaj and Bjorn Fortuin have been successful against Australia's ODI batters, which may lead to Conrad considering a double-spin threat. However, Conrad emphasized that he will not interfere with the preparation of the surface for the first Test, stating that he never instructs groundstaff to make wickets a certain way.
Conrad admitted that including two specialist spinners was always a consideration against Australia, even before the hamstring injuries to the fast bowlers. He stated that the team had identified frailties in Australia's batting and that the spin duo could be a key factor in winning the Test match. The team's decision will depend on the conditions and the fitness of the players.
The Proteas' fast-bowling crisis has led to the inclusion of Anrich Nortje in the Test squad, with Conrad expressing his excitement about having someone of Nortje's calibre and pace. Rabada has been included in the 18-player preliminary squad but seems like a doubtful starter due to his hamstring injury.
Despite Australia's struggles against spin in the ODI series, Conrad is cautious about reading too much into it, as the tourists' Test squad will be significantly bolstered by the likes of Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne. He emphasized that the team's decision to use a double-spin attack will not be based solely on Australia's performance in the ODI series.
The Proteas' spin trio of Maharaj, Harmer, and Muthusamy was immensely successful on the team's recent tours to Pakistan and India, where they broke a 20-year barren spell on the subcontinent. This success has led to increased speculation about the team's possible XI for the Test series against Australia.
The first Test between the Proteas and Australia is set to start on October 9 at Kingsmead, with Conrad's team facing a challenging task against a strong Australian side. The team's decision on the playing XI will be crucial in determining the outcome of the series.
Key points
- The Proteas are considering a double-spin attack for the Test series against Australia.
- Coach Shukri Conrad will not interfere with the preparation of the surface for the first Test.
- The team's decision on the playing XI will depend on the conditions and the fitness of the players.
