Dale Steyn is back!

Dale Steyn made such a spectacular return to Test cricket in the home Test series against New Zealand, that he made the other bowlers look mediocre. While Quinton de Kock won man of the match for his runs on a difficult pitch in the second Test, Steyn took a five wicket-haul and returned figures of eight wickets for 99 run in the match, and 10 wickets for 102 runs across the series. The 'Steyn Remover' has passed famous Pakistan bowler Wasim Akram in Test wickets, and with 416 Test scalps, Steyn's only compatriot with more Test wickets is Shaun Pollock (421).

Guess who is back to taking wickets and winning matches for South Africa. Photo from From www.commons.wikimedia.org.

I previously blogged that Kagiso Rabida would be the deciding factor in the series. Little did I know that Steyn would be back to his amazing self, and Vernon Philander would, in his return Test, heap huge pressure on the other end to force batsmen to play against Steyn. From a bowling perspective, it was beautiful. Our first batting innings in the second Test was excellent, especially when you consider that New Zealand won the toss and sent us into bat. The first five batsmen all scored at least half centuries, including a fantastic hundred by Faf du Plessis. The pitch deteriorated quickly near the end of the first day, which goes to show how impressive and important the innings was.

There are so many positives South Africa can take from this series, being their first series this cricket season, and playing against New Zealand who walked over Zimbabwe just before it. Next up is an One Day International against Ireland in Benoni on 25 September, and then a five-match ODI series against Australia, starting in Centurion on 30 September.

Proteas must rely on Rabada

Only the best will stand out when South Africa hosts New Zealand for two Test matches, starting on 19 and 27 August. The Proteas have lost captain AB de Villiers and bowler Morne Morkel due to injury, which will not help them against an in-form Black Caps squad which is ranked one place higher on the ICC Test rankings (fifth).

Bowlers Steyn and Philander have recovered from long-term injuries and will look to mark their return in a big way when they first take on the Black Caps in the familiar Sahara Stadium Kingsmead, Durban. But I believe the pressure lies more heavily on the shoulders of world number seven ODI bowler Kagiso Rabada. New Zealand already have the accomplished bowling pair Tim Southee and Trent Boult, to counter our Steyn and Philander. Both batting line-ups are also strong, with New Zealand's probably better because of AB's injury. This is why it is up on Rabada to tip the balance in our favour.

The 21-year-old has shown such great potential. He already has better bowling statistics than Boult and Southee, although the number of matches played is a factor. In six Tests, he has already taken three five-wicket hauls in an innings and one 10-wicket haul in a match. His Test bowling average is an impressive 24.70, and in ODIs he has taken 37 wickets at an average of 21.45. 

I cannot stop blogging about this guy. He is the next great South African bowler, and the outcome of this series, and indeed of many more to come, are at his mercy.

Kagiso Rabada holds the fate of the Proteas in his hands. CC Search image.

This is the South African team for the series: Faf du Plessis (captain), Kyle Abbott, Hashim Amla, Temba Bavuma, Stephen Cook, Quinton de Kock, JP Duminy, Dean Elgar, Chris Morris, Wayne Parnell, Vernon Philander, Dane Piedt, Kagiso Rabada, Dale Steyn and Stiaan van Zyl.

Topsy turvy World Cup

Surprises and upsets have surfaced at the ICC World Twenty 20 India 2016. Some of the jack in the boxes included India being bowled all out for 79 to lose to New Zealand by 47 runs, New Zealand defending 142 against the mighty Australians, and England chasing a whopping 229 against South Africa. Furthermore, surprise qualifiers Afghanistan nearly beat Sri Lanka, and gave South Africa a run for their money in their group matches. Overwhelming pride felt by some fans has been reflected by heart-break in others. In the end, some teams will progress and others will not. It appears that some highly-ranked countries might not make the cut this time, but that does not make the show any less exhilarating.

Image from www.wikipedia.org

Right now it is anybody's guess how things will turn out. Teams attaining high scores are not necessarily defending them. And teams slugging out meagre totals are pulling rabbits out of hats to everyone's astonishment. In my opinion, West Indies look like the strongest team at the moment, proving themselves with bat, ball and in the field. New Zealand have also proven that they are title contenders, with great performances. The three that usually make the top of the favourites list – India, Australia and South Africa – have fallen behind. India and Australia have both lost matches that should not have been lost. South Africa's bowlers lack confidence and discipline. They gave 26 extras away against England!

Champions Sri Lanka do not look as good as they used to. It seems that as time goes by, Sri Lanka's bowling attack gets weaker. It is hard to expect that their current bowlers could follow on from where Lasith Malinga, Muttiah Muralitharan and Chaminda Vaas left off. Pakistan are not as good as they were a few years ago – without Saeed Ajmal or Younis Khan.

Whatever happens, I believe this World Cup will be entertaining for all. And a little drama never hurt anyone.

It is hard being a Proteas fan

The first thing a colleague said to me after the Proteas lost in the semi final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 to New Zealand, was, "There they choke again. They are chokers." It is an opinion held by many South African cricket fans, and the issue is addressed by the Proteas players and staff themselves. The Proteas have never progressed past the semi final stage at a world cup, and are perceived to play below par in must-win world cup matches.

Proteas ODI Captain AB de Villiers will be distraught after losing in the world cup semi final to New Zealand.

Thus it is exasperating being a Proteas fan. Every time a world cup comes round, and even a T20 world cup, we all get excited that maybe this could be our time. Without fail, we are disappointed. Am I saying that the Proteas' chokers label is accurate? I do not know. All I can say is that, although New Zealand have a very skillful and hard working team this time round, we batted and bowled very well but our fielding in the last overs almost certainly cost us the match.

Du Plessis had called for a catch he could not reach, even when Hashim Amla was ready nearby. The ball landed between them. Then, Farhaan Behardien was poised for a catch when JP Duminy came out of nowhere and dived into him. It appeared that Behardien had already dropped the ball before Duminy arrived, but when a player is approaching like that it can distract you as a fielder. 

It was New Zealand who also ended our world cup dreams in 2011. For them, this is an opportunity to be rugby and cricket world champions at the same time. What a dream come true. With regards to the Proteas, foolish fans such as myself will have to wait another four years. We will wait, as time builds up our hope again.

Australia to win the World Cup

I think that the team with the most chance to win the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 is Australia. Many fans will point to the the class in the Indian batting lineup. Especially as the team won the last World Cup. In response I will highlight their bowling attack. Many will point to South Africa's recent success against the West Indies. I will highlight our past failures at the World Cup and a lack of consistency in One Day Internationals in recent years. 

Australia will be playing at home, and the talent and experience in their squad will make them strong favourites.

Mitchell Starc is an excellent bowler in the Australian team. Photo from www.telegraph.co.uk

The pitches in Australia and New Zealand favour fast bowlers and attacking batsmen. Australia has exactly that. Mitchell Starc has burst onto the scene as a deadly fast bowler. The 24-year-old has already taken 59 ODI wickets at an average of 20.11 and economy of 4.97. Pat Cummins is another young bowler with very fast pace and skill, and James Faulkner is a great death bowler. 

The batsmen in the team should be of even more concern to opposition teams. Aaron Finch and David Warner are a deadly opening combination. Both are aggressive, and if either stays in for more than 30 overs, the team will probably set a total of 300+. If Michael Clarke (33) recovers from his injury he will be the most experienced player in the team. He has scored 7 762 ODI runs at an average of 44.86. George Bailey and Glenn Maxwell can provide great end-of-innings smashing, while Brad Haddin brings much experience.

As of 23 January Australia is ranked fourth in the world in ODIs, according to the International Cricket Council rankings. England is first, South Africa is second and India is third. Australia have also won the World Cup the most number of times, which is four times.

Three players who make the Black Caps a dark horse

Stephen Fleming recently said in an interview on Hooked on Cricket, that New Zealand, Australia, England and South Africa all have a very good chance to win next year's cricket world cup. New Zealand have never been given much of a chance to win a world cup before. Could it be that they are a dark horse to win next year's? I believe so.

The ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 will be held in New Zealand and Australia. The hard, bouncy pitches in these countries will support the fast bowlers, while making it harder for spinners. This will suite the above-mentioned teams, yet pose a challenge to sub-continent teams, which usually rely on their spinners. New Zealand have had a tough couple of years lately but now seem to be getting it right.

Here are some players I love watching in the New Zealand team, and who I believe will pose a threat to their opposition:

Brendon McCullum

Brendon McCullum. Photo from www.indiatoday.intoday.in

Even if he doesn't keep wickets anymore, he is a match-winning batsman. The 33-year-old once scored 158* in an Indian Premier League T20 match! The aggressive batsman is generally inconsistent, either scoring few or scoring lots of runs. But he has accumulated 5 200 runs in One Day Internationals at an average of 30.05, and at a strike rate of 90.56 (as of 04 December), making him both a dangerous and experienced batsman.

Ross Taylor

Ross Taylor. Photo from www.cricketcountry.com

My favourite Black Cap player to watch. Taylor has been in and out of the squad because of injury, and because of favour, or rather lack of it, with management. Yet he remains indisputably their best batsman. The 30-year-old has been through it all and tempers his world-class skill with patience and innovation. He has scored 4 238 runs in ODIs at an average of 40.07, and at a strike rate of 82.39. This guy has big match temperament (BMT), one to watch out for.

Mitchell McClenaghan

Mitchell McClenaghan. Photo from www.bbc.com

He may not be the most experienced fast bowler in the side, but from what I have seen from him he has what it takes to make a difference in the world cup. The 28-year-old is quick, has a nice action, controls the ball well, and has proven that he can take on the best teams. In his ODI debut he took 4 wickets for 20 runs against South Africa. He has taken 50 ODI wickets at an average of 23.48, with an economy of 5.77. Not the best stats, but he is better than they show, and will be a handful on the fast and bouncy pitches.

What to expect in the second SA - NZ test

In a two test match series between South Africa and New Zealand South Africa won the first match at Newlands, Cape Town, rather easily thanks to a dismal performance by the New Zealand batsmen. NZ were bowled out for 45 in their first innings. Yes that is correct, 45, with Vernon Philander getting the first 5 wickets and finishing with 5-7 in six overs. Kane Williamson was the only batsmen to get double figures. He made 13 runs. 

South Africa followed it up with an excellent 347/8 declared. Alviro Petersen made a very good 106. New Zealand batted quite well in their second innings making 275. Their star in their make-up effort was Dean Brownlie who scored 109 runs, making his first test century. In the end South Africa won by an innings and 27 runs. Philander received the man of the match. The game saw Jacques Kallis reach 13 000 test runs and Dale Steyn reach 300 test wickets. 

Kallis is now the fourth leading test run scorer of all time and Steyn is the fourth leading South African test wicket taker of all time - if you're into records, which I am.

Vernon Philander took 5 wickets for 7 runs in New Zealand's first innings. Picture taken from http://tvnz.co.nz 

What I would expect in the second and last test: Firstly I believe there is almost no chance of another South African bowler getting 5-7. I believe that the New Zealanders will work hard on all forms of their game in the break and I don't think South Africa will be able to bowl them out for less than 100 in either of New Zealand's innings, and probably not less than 150 in either. 

I think that the South Africans will find it tougher against a more determined New Zealand bowling attack, as well as more resolute fielders, (the NZ batsmen, without saying, will improve). Nevertheless I think the South African team will strive all the more and put in the effort needed to win the second test. The Proteas will most likely bat well, bowl well and field well and beat New Zealand. This is not certainty though, you never know what might happen.

I don't expect the South African team to change. New Zealand must be wishing they had Daniel Vettori, Timothy Southee and Ross Taylor. I do expect the Black Caps to make one or two changes though, mostly to their batting line up. 

On a side-note, since the Proteas are in such a good position in this test series and look like they are going to win the next game; and since they only have 3 really good experienced fast bowlers, maybe it would be prudent to give a chance to a new, possibly young, fast bowler. But that would mean one of the three super stars would have to sit out. Who would you drop? and who would you put in? I'm not saying anything, just putting that out there.

Doug Bracewell was bowled by Dale Steyn in NZ's first innings, giving Steyn his 300th test wicket. Image taken from http://www.guardian.co.uk