New Zealand coach Mike Hesson feels that the biggest threat in the upcoming Test series in South Africa will be the all-round bowling attack of the hosts. With speedsters like Dale Steyn, Vernon Philander and Kagiso Rabada, the Proteas’ bowling attack is a force to reckon with in their own den. With a reputation of having some of the fastest wickets in the world, the ‘Black Caps’ have to sweat it out to make a mark during the African safari.
Having defeated Zimbabwe recently, Kane Williamson & Co. have got the perfect warm-up needed for the vital tour. Meanwhile, the South African team which recently appointed former cricketer Mark Boucher as part of the support staff for the tour would be eager to kick off their home season on a high.
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Hesson feels that South Africa’s attack has variety in their bowling which is going to be difficult to tackle. "From a seam bowling point of view, they are strong, they have got a lot of variety. They have some bounce bowlers, some good swing bowlers, some seam bowlers so that will provide it's own challenges”.
Vernon Philander, who started his career on a promising note but his performances faded away in the past couple of years, has the potential to dismantle the oppositions’ batting line-up having the quality and experience.
As per the reports of ESPN Cricinfo, regarding Vernon’s stint with the South Africa ‘A’ side, New Zealand’s coach said, "Vernon has played a lot of cricket recently so he has got loads of overs under his belt. He is a high-quality bowler. We saw him at his best a few years ago. He hits lovely lengths and we know he is going to provide a challenge there, most likely with the new ball,"
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Kagiso Rabada is the latest pace sensation who is expected to prosper in the future days on the grounds of his performance in the past 12 months. The 21-year old cricketer from Johannesburg has bowled few memorable spells in his 6-Test career including match figures of 13/144 during the 4th Test of England’s tour of South Africa and guided his team to a victory. "In terms of Kagiso Rabada, he has got pace, bounce and skill and he is fresh so he keeps running in at you hard. He is someone we are going to have to spend a bit of time on. We know he is a quality bowler” said the Kiwi coach.
The first of the 2 Tests starts on 19 August, Friday in Kingsmead, Durban, followed by the second encounter which is scheduled to begin on 27 August in Centurion.
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