Champions Trophy 2013: Morris in for Morkel, South Africa bank on pace

AB de Villers would have been pleased with South Africa’s performance despite losing the game to India. They batted brilliantly, but eventually fell short by 26 runs. Also, Robin Peterson’s promotion to number four has worked for South Africa as he played a magnificent innings of 70 in a stiff run-chase. Also, McLaren proved his worth lower down the order as he showed that he can be a finest finisher for South Africa if they can keep their wickets intact. So, AB de Villers would be hoping for a better bowling performance against Pakistan

However, South Africa have a few injury concerns. South Africa’s premium fast bowler Morne Morkel has been injured in the first match against India and he doesn’t look fit for the match against Pakistan. Chris Morris being picked for the Champions Trophy as a replacement for Morkel makes perfect sense as he can be a versatile bowler in death overs. He is more accurate with his line and length especially in slog overs and therefore, he can out-think the batsmen. Also, he is an established batsman lower down the order as he has the knack of finishing games from tense situations. So, McLaren together with Morris should frighten Pakistan.

The top order hasn’t fired for South Africa against high-quality sides in the Champions Trophy. Hashim Amla has good track record in England, but failed to make impact with the bat against India. Ingram hasn’t been in best of form with the bat for South Africa and therefore, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to bring de Cock at the expense of Ingram. JP Duminy, who has recovered from an injury, is getting into the groove and should be promoted up the order. So, if Duminy can strike form, then South Africa would certainly have their noses ahead.

Pakistan, on the other hand, have a dominant pace-attack. Mohammad Irfan has been the leader of the attack as he has picked wickets for Pakistan on a continuous basis. However, their batting hasn’t clicked as a unit as they are heavily reliant on Misbah-ul-Haq to deliver in crunch situations. Nasir Jamshed got into the groove with a magnificent half-century against West Indies but he couldn’t convert the start into a meaningful innings. So, South Africa would be looking to exploit that weakness of Pakistan.

Pitch and Conditions

The wicket at Birmingham is expected to be dry and therefore toss would play a critical role. Australia found it rather difficult to bat in the second innings against England so it wouldn’t be a bad idea to bat first.

Team news

Chris Morris has been named as a replacement for Morne Morkel. Also, Dale Steyn’s fitness is still a concern for South Africa as he hasn’t recovered from the injury. So, South Africa are likely to make just the one change as Morris will replace the injured Morkel.

Pakistan, on the other hand, are likely to stick with the same combination that played against West Indies.

Watch out for:

Chris Morris – Chris Morris has been one of the best bowlers in death overs. He has a lot of varieties and could be a threat to Pakistan batsmen. As said earlier, he could be a dangerous batsman lower down the order. So, if he strikes form, then Pakistan’s death bowling would certainly be tested.

Wahab Riaz – He has been an incredible bowler for Pakistan. He has the ability to get wickets with the new-ball. So, he has significant task on hand as South Africa have strong batting line-up. South Africa’s batting would be weathered if Wahab strikes with the new-ball.

Quotes

“I’ve been with this team for two years. Morne has been injured once and Dale has never been injured. Now it’s come together. That’s a curveball,” he admitted at the team’s Saturday morning training session at Edgbaston. “But I’d like to think that if we’ve grown as a one-day team, guys can replace them and do well”. Coach Kirtsen hopeful of good show despite being hit by injuries.