Protean Speed Guns - The South African X Factor

Dale Steyn

Test cricket is moving towards oblivion or may be even extinction. It is losing that gripping lustre it possessed for so long. Well, that is not to state that there is a dearth of talented, top-notch cricketers around the world. Why I say so is because the level of competitiveness has taken a colossal beating in recent times. We are at a stage where most, if not all, sides are dominating in familiar conditions at home and getting drubbed abroad.

It has become a trend for hosting nations to prepare decks to suit their interests. Team India claimed the No.1 spot in the ICC Test rankings solely by sweeping every team that came in its way on sub-continental dust bowls. Then it was time for the Englishmen to climb to the top in the very same manner – plundering the visitors in the home soil. In spite of succumbing to Pakistan in the UAE, they managed to cling on its No.1 ranking.

The Proteas, meanwhile, reached within touching distance of England. But, for a change, the Saffers snatched the numero uno status by subjugating the England cricket team, 2-0, in their own backyard. Since then, there has been no looking back. The team has continually won or at least drawn both home and away.

Having clean swept New Zealand 2-0 and Pakistan 3-0, the South African side have been invincible at home. Most recently, they earned a gritty 1-0 win over the Indians. They have been outstanding as a touring party as well; they have outdone England (as mentioned above) and Australia while leveling the series against Pakistan in the UAE.

Of late, all the Test sides have been consistently inconsistent owing to their lack of application in alien conditions with South Africa being the lone aberration. The chief driving force behind their amazing consistency has been their lethal pace bowling attack. This is not to take away any credit from their batting unit.

Led ably by the best in the business, Dale Steyn, and well assisted by Morne Morkel and Vernon Philander, they have got all the basis covered. Dismissing New Zealand, Australia and Pakistan for scores under 50 speaks volumes about the potency of the attack. The South African pace-trio is undisputedly the best in the world. Every Test team in the world fears touring South Africa or even inviting them, for that matter.

Dale Steyn:

The first thing thing that catches your attention when you look at Dale Steyn is his fitness. This World No.2 pacer sprints through his run-up with defiance and purpose. His ability to swing the little red cherry at breakneck speeds leaves the batsmen simply staggered. No wonder why he averages 22.90 in Test cricket which includes 22 fifers.

He swings it only one way – away from the right handers – but the point to note is the amount of swing and obviously, the pace at which he does so. He loves to bowl in short bursts so that he doesn’t have to compromise on pace, in particular. The fact that Steyn has tasted fair share of success in placid sub-continental wickets reveals his mastery over the art of reverse-swing too. Morever, he runs through the tail-enders which denies the opposition of some handy runs down the order. While he has all the talent in the world, the most flattering thing about Steyn is his accuracy and the ability to hit the full length all the time; it is compounded well with a barrage of well directed bouncers around the middle and leg stump.

His attitude stands out as well. A batsman is expected to have the hunger for runs every time he walks out to the middle. Similarly, a bowler is expected to be hungry for wickets every time he has a ball in hand. The modern day seamers do get on the back-foot when they see the batsman attacking and take up the containment role. However, Steyn’s the best in the world for a reason. When ripped apart, he’s looks to counter attack.

He doesn’t mind being involved in verbal exchanges given he blossoms even more when presented with such challenges which just goes to show his mental toughness. All in all, he’s a complete package – a bowler who could make it to any Test side of the world.