'Kolkata Test, a bigger challenge'
Delighted with victory in his first outing as the interim coach of the national team, Corrie van Zyl made it clear that there would be no let-up in intensity when South Africa reach Kolkata for the second Test against India beginning on Sunday.
“I fully understand that we need to be really well prepared for the second Test, which is going to be a harder Test,” Van Zyl said on Wednesday. “If the first Test was a challenge, the second is going to be an even bigger challenge.”
Van Zyl took over at short notice after coach Mickey Arthur resigned no more than a couple of days before South Africa left for Indian shores. The coach made it clear that he didn’t expect a repeat of 2008, when the Proteas came unstuck on a dustbowl in Kanpur after scoring an innings win in Ahmedabad.
“Mentally, this team is better prepared,” he offered. “That’s the most important part but it’s still going to be a challenge dealing with the turning wickets. I won’t say we are expecting a m
inefield in Kolkata. But I expect something that’s going to help the Indian team, obviously. I hope it will be a good cricket contest, where both sides can play good cricket.”
Ten-wicket man Dale Steyn, who wrecked India with seven for 51 in the first innings in the first Test here, came in for special praise. “Dale is an excellent bowler,” Van Zyl said, stating the obvious.
“He’s number one at the moment for obvious reasons. He’s got quality. He showed us in this Test match that to run in and bowl at that pace and swing the ball out is a special gift. And then to have the ability to use the reverse swing as well as he did was even more special.”
Steyn was well backed up by Morne Morkel, Wayne Parnell and Jacques Kallis. “Fast bowlers hitting the deck hard was part of our game plan. Going forward, I am making sure that as a bowling unit, we are operating together and not as individuals to make us a lot more effective. Working in partnerships is the way to go forward in batting. In bowling too, you got to work in partnerships to put pressure.”
Van Zyl had been assistant to Arthur before taking charge of the team, but he said he still was taken by how mentally strong the Protean unit was. “I was telling the team and the team management that I was really surprised by the mental preparation of the team,” he admitted. “Credit should be given to Mickey and what he’s put in place. Surprised is the right word, but I was happy to see the level of preparation which made my introduction a lot easier.”
