Harris must hold up his end

2008-07-08 13:37

Altus Momberg

London - Proteas coach Mickey Arthur expects England's batsmen to target the spin bowling of Paul Harris during the cricket Test series that starts here on Thursday.

Arthur believes the English will try to force South Africa to use their seam bowlers for longer spells.

Harris took 1/111 in 20 overs during the warm-up match against Middlesex last week but Arthur was not overly concerned about the spinner's figures.

The last day of the match was washed out on Sunday without a ball being bowled.

Harris will be expected to keep the runs down and to build pressure from one end of the wicket while the seamers are rotated at the other end during the Test matches.

But if the lefthander is unable to stem the flow of runs, Proteas captain Graeme Smith will have to employ seam bowlers at both ends. This could tire out the SA attack.

"I doubt that the England batsmen will play the type of shots that we saw here," Arthur said on Sunday. "I don't think they'll take that risk.

"Its no secret what Paul's role will be. England will therefore try to target him to force us to change our plans."

Particularly severe on Harris

The coach and Harris have already spoken about what they should expect in the Test matches.

The Proteas declared at 359/5 on Saturday morning after Ashwell Prince had been dismissed for 114. Middlesex reached 311/5 by stumps, with Irish international Eoin Morgan scoring 109 not out and former South African David Malan showing promise in an innings of 67.

Morgan was particularly severe on Harris and scored several boundaries with risky shots.

Morné Morkel was the most impressive bowler once again but Dale Steyn looked a little rusty in his first outing on tour.

Morkel sent down only nine overs. Arthur said it was part of a plan to ensure his players won't be over-bowled before the Test matches.

"We are happy with Morné's preparations. He would, of course, have bowled more if it were a Test match. But we're trying to keep a balance by ensuring that the bowlers get in just enough overs to be ready for the first Test. They should not bowl too much."

- Die Burger