If there is one team Steve Smith – arguably best after Donald Bradman – hasn’t conquered in his glorious Test career, it is South Africa. The Proteas bowling coach Charl Langeveldt believes his men can continue having an edge over Australia’s premier batter when they take on the hosts in the upcoming Test series.
Smith scored his first Test versus the Proteas in 2014, but hasn’t had a great run since. Smith’s average of 41.53 in nine matches against South Africa is his lowest against any country, barring Bangladesh, against whom he has played only two Tests.
Speaking ahead of the Gabba Test, which begins on December 17, Langeveldt pointed out Smith’s change in technique but as against any batter, the first 20 balls will be crucial.
“The key to most of the top six is the first 20 balls and to make them play. Steve has changed. He is not on the move anymore and he has got a good base now where he is not moving around the crease as much.”
The former South Africa pacer added that his bowlers have the ability to adjust to the Gabba where slightly fuller lengths are required to be effective.
“I think it is going to be a good challenge for our boys. The boys are up for the challenge but the key is going to be that first 20 balls where we need to really make him play more. The guys got the fuller lengths that we want. Conditions are different in Brisbane to anywhere else in the world really.”
South Africa bowled fuller in their match against Cricket Australia XI, where Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi picked up seven wickets between them. Most of their wickets came through caught behind or in the slips with fuller balls, in a similar way to what they plan with Smith.
