JOIN USHeath Streak, the former Zimbabwe skipper, has helped Bangladesh develop some quality medium fast bowlers – Mustafizur Rahman being the standout among them. A paceman of some stature during his hey days, Streak has helped Gujarat Lions’ attack shape into an effective unit this IPL season. Ahead of Qualifier 1 here on Tuesday, Streak spoke to the media.
Excerpts:
How different is it now after the experience of last match (when Lions crashed to 144-run loss)?
Both teams have played each other twice, we won one and they won one. It’s a new game. Obviously it’s good for both teams that we’re in a situation where we have two cracks at the final. But yes, we’re under no illusions. They’re a good side but they’re human beings and can make mistakes. We’ve also got some really good match winners.
Suresh (Raina) is back, (Brendon) McCullum was good in the last game. He can be as devastating as any of those (RCB) guys. (Aaron) Finch has been in great form, some of our bowlers have been good up front. It’s going to be a toughmatch. Home venue for RCB but hopefully we can pick it up, it will be a good contest.
What kind of mindset do you need to bowl on this ground?
Being composed and resetting (your plans). Sometimes mishits can go for six, so it’s one of those things. Keeping your plans simple and executing your skills. The basics don’t change. We know the average score here is in the high 180s and you have to set your goals accordingly. We know it’s going to be a batsman-friendly ground.
Lions haven’t been banking on one person…
That’s probably been the catalyst for us – everyone has contributed at some stage. That has been really good. We’re not reliant on just one or two players; everyone has the ability to play a match winning innings or a spell. That’s a nice thing and hopefully we can put up a good team effort. We collectively have the best combined team effort and that’s why we’ve ended where we have.
Any specific plans for the big three (Kohli, de Villiers and Gayle) or waiting for mistakes?
Of course everyone has specific plans. That’s cricket. We had specific plans the last time and they worked well for a short time. We went well in the first 10 overs and then they had an outstanding last 10 overs, particularly the last five. We know those type of players – de Villiers and Kohli have done that against international attacks but so have McCullum and Suresh, and Aaron Finch as well. We’ve got match winners who have done it internationally. Any one on their day can come off. As I said, them probably playing at home have the edge but we will certainly be chasing them hard. We’re looking for a hard-fought contest and don’t expect anything less from Kohli and his boys.
DH News Service