National Coach
| Dav Whatmore National Coach |
These are difficult times for the team. So far in South Africa we have been thoroughly outplayed by the opposition. However, the players are not panicking. They understand that we have to learn from defeat in Cape Town and they also realise that we are one match away from leveling the series. South Africa came back from an innings defeat in Galle to square the series and there is no reason why we cannot do the same.
The pitch at Newlands looked a good one for batting but there was just a little more moisture below the surface than we originally thought. However, I believe that we were still right to bat first and I am sure that South Africa would have done the same.
There was quite a lot of movement on that first day and they put the ball in the right areas more often than not and caught their catches really well. But, we have to face up to the fact that our batting was undisciplined in both innings. The shot selection was really poor; we were reaching for balls that we should have been leaving.
The guys have the ability; there is no doubt about that. I have seen them play defensively off the back foot well and evade the short ball. However, we must develop the strength of mind to hold our nerve over long periods of time. It's tough, but we have just got to do it if we are to compete with the best.
That first morning was one hell of a shock and I'm afraid that when you lose the cream of the top order for next to no runs it is always going to be a real struggle to get back into the game. We had to get 180-200 to stay in the game but in the end we couldn't even manage to get over a hundred.
I thought the South African's were a little lucky on that first day. They got away with a few shots. Kirsten played over the slips, a catch dropped just short and there were a couple of very close LBW appeals. On another day we could have picked up three or four wickets and that would have kept us in the game.
However, it was not to be, and on the second day the wicket had flattened out a bit. They took a lot of grass off the wicket that morning and there is no doubt that it was easier for the batsmen. Credit to them though they batted well.
When it came to our second innings we required 400 runs just to make them bat again. It was like scaling Mt. Everest and was always going to be tough. Nevertheless our performance was really disappointing and once again our shot selection let us down.
We need to learn from Newlands. The bitter taste of the defeat will linger long in the player's memories. I am sure the players will not want to experience the same feelings again. As a coach you hope that it makes them work a little harder in situations where you have a more than even chance. Some learn that lesson quickly, but some take a little longer.
We are well aware that we can still level the series. We have not really put them under pressure so far in the tour. If our batsmen can get some runs on the board than I believe that the final Test match is there for the taking.
What is needed is a win. We cannot wait too much longer before we impose ourselves on the opposition. One victory in these one-day games would do wonders for the confidence and be a real tonic to the side. It's all about character now and the guys have to stand up to be counted.
© CricInfo
| Teams | South Africa, Sri Lanka. |
| Tours | Sri Lanka in South Africa |
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