Jet: Proteas must handle pressure

25 Apr 2007

Former Proteas coach Ray Jennings believes that whoever gets a good start and absorbs the pressure best, will win today’s semi-final.

Jennings referred to Sanath Jayasuriya who looked very uncomfortable yesterday before being clean bowled for 1 in the third over.

“To get a good start will be vital,” Jennings told keo.co.za. “We saw in the other semi between Sri Lanka and New Zealand that there definitely were a lot of nerves. The team that absorbs the pressure and goes on to make a good start can dominate the game from there on.

“It doesn’t matter whether we bowl or bat first, getting some early wickets or laying a solid opening partnership can give us the early ascendancy.”

Another controversial factor has been the omission of fast bowler Makhaya Ntini. He was dropped for the must-win game against England after taking just five wickets in seven matches and it is doubtful that he will be recalled for the match against the Aussies unless Andre Nel is ruled out with a broken finger.

“I think Makhaya is a match-winner and he tends to fire up on the big occasion,” said Jennings. “I think he got a wake-up call by being dropped for the game against England and he always comes back strongly. I would definitely include him for the game but who to leave out is another difficult decision.”

When asked if he would include spinner Robin Peterson for the match seeing the pitch should favour spin bowling, Jennings said: “No, I think it’s a bit too late for that now. He hasn’t been playing much cricket lately and it will be unfair to the player if he was included to step up in such a big game.”

“If you look at Australia, they have Hogg, Symonds and Clarke who can all do a good job for them. I don’t think Graeme will be much of a factor especially if you compare him to what Australia have. It doesn’t look good, we must hope the pitch does not favour the spinners to much otherwise we could have our hands full.”

By Kobus Pretorius



14 Comments

  • 1.Skywalker: Reply to this comment
    25 Apr 2007, 12:28 pm

    Boks (Proteas) Forever!

  • 2.Brickwall: Don't run into it!: Reply to this comment
    25 Apr 2007, 12:28 pm

    1 Whooze tha man???!!!

  • 3.Brickwall: Don't run into it!: Reply to this comment
    25 Apr 2007, 12:29 pm

    Fark no!!

  • 4.Skywalker: Reply to this comment
    25 Apr 2007, 12:29 pm

    Oh Brickwall. Don’t you feel a right **** now.

  • 5.Brickwall: Don't run into it!: Reply to this comment
    25 Apr 2007, 12:30 pm

    Well, the groundsman say its a belter. Lets hope he knows what he is talking about.

  • 6.Andre_WP: Reply to this comment
    25 Apr 2007, 12:32 pm

    Middag Kobus

    Wat dink jy ? gaan ons dit maak ?

  • 7.Andre_WP: Reply to this comment
    25 Apr 2007, 12:34 pm

    Nell will be ok , he can still bowl with that finger.

  • 8.shooter: Reply to this comment
    25 Apr 2007, 12:41 pm

    graeme not much of a factor? think you mean the baby seal Rob-clobbered-in-to the stands Peterson

  • 9.Kerneels: Reply to this comment
    25 Apr 2007, 12:57 pm

    IMHO the team that makes the most runs will win the game…

  • 10.TOPCAT: Reply to this comment
    25 Apr 2007, 12:58 pm

    Have to agree with with Jet once,MAKHAYA IS NEEDED.

  • 11.JL1: Reply to this comment
    25 Apr 2007, 13:00 pm

    Forget the bowling if we win the toss we need to bat and get as many runs as possible and defend

  • 12.scar: Reply to this comment
    25 Apr 2007, 21:19 pm

    Ray Jennings were absolutely right – obviously it was not SA

  • 13.SjamBok: Reply to this comment
    25 Apr 2007, 23:58 pm

    No, its about who has done their homework on the pitch, the conditions, the players weaknesses and strengths, and their own technique.

    If you have done the work, you can use the situations, and pressure does not count- you just put into practice waht you have practiced and planned.

    I guess we can see from the result who did their homework…

  • 14.aussiejoe: Reply to this comment
    12 Jun 2007, 05:52 am

    Just heard that Ford declined the Indian job. Cant say I blame him. Too volatile. Failure equals death.

Keo.co.za has always promoted uncensored views, but has never tolerated racist or crass outbursts. Come on guys and girls. If you can't moderate yourselves or each other then I am going to be forced to regulate the posts and enforce a registration process for comments. The choice is yours.

Have your say

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Not for sale to Persons under the age of 18. Drink Responsibly.