Langeveldt on his way home?

2006-01-16 21:31

Christo Buchner

Brisbane - If South African fast bowler Charl Langeveldt does not recover in time to play against Australia in the one-day international triangular series on Friday, he will be the third fast bowler to return home because of an injury.

Langeveldt said it was frustrating because his groin injury was improving slower than what was initially hoped.

"If I'm not ready to play on Friday, I'll rather go home and recover for the home series against Australia. It doesn't help to just sit around here. I'll rather recover at home. It's frustrating not to play."

Two other fast bowlers, Makhaya Ntini and Andre Nel have already returned home after being injured on tour.

The old stalwart, Shaun Pollock is still spear-heading the attack. He was brilliant in South Africa's five wicket victory on Sunday evening and was the player of the match with his three for 30.

Pollock said: "It was great to beat the Aussies in their own back yard. It's just a pity it doesn't happen more often. I like the responsibility of being the senior bowler. I know a lot more is expected of me because Makhaya and Nella aren't here. I also like giving the young bowlers advice.

"Sunday's victory was even sweeter because we achieved it with a young bowling attack. Everyone performed well on a pitch that had just enough bounce and speed. It suited us and was the best pitch up till now in Australia."

Again partnered a newcomer

Pollock said he has had 21 different opening partners in his one-day international career. Garnett Kruger made his international ODI debut in the victory over the Aussies and Pollock again partnered a newcomer.

Pollock said he liked to bowl with the new white bowl in the ODIs, even though he had to work harder these days not to concede runs. He also likes to take the new red ball in Test cricket.

"Every ball poses new challenges. I don't really have a preference at this stage of my career."

Another one of South Africa's heroes in the victory over the Aussies, Mark Boucher, who scored an unbeaten 63 runs, said it had been one of the best fight-back attempts yet from a South African team.

"It's been of one the most frustrating tours to date with regard to my batting. I received quite a few bad calls in the Test series.

"However, Lady Luck was on my side on Sunday and I got away with a few risky shots I hit the ball well later on in my innings.

"Kempie (Justin Kemp) and I knew that even if the run rate soared to nine per over we would still be able to get the runs. We needed just one or two big overs and it happened when Brett Lee bowled.

"I also decided to take a few chances when the balls were pitched short. Luckily it worked, even though one or two shots went flying over the wicketkeeper's head. When you get runs against weaker countries you aren't always that appreciative but when you make runs against the Aussies it feels really good," Boucher said.

The new Aussie allrounder, James Hopes, described Kemp as a devastating hitter of the ball.

"The innings he played on Sunday was a warning to both us and Sri Lanka. He hits the ball far and can be just as explosive as Andrew Symonds and Kevin Pietersen."

- Beeld