As India opted to rest for the day, the South African squad turned up in full might at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Thursday hoping to iron out every little niggle for the Sunday match against the Men in Blue. Sitting pretty on a 3-0 record against India in the World Cup, the Proteas are working out to keep the upward spiral in the graph against India. After two-three days of rest, their lead bowler Dale Steyn made a comeback to nets and bowled a steady line for over half an hour. “He had a run today. He has had a bit of sinusitis but nothing to worry about it. New Zealand can be pretty cold… Christchurch especially,” South Africa coach Russell Domingo said while talking to the media at the MCG.
He brushed aside all talk of going easy or sitting complacent on past laurels against India. “Whatever has happened in the past in previous World Cups will count for very little on Sunday. We haven't thought too much about the psychological advantage over India. We are just focusing hard on our preparations. India are the current World Champions and a wonderful ODI side,” he said, adding that “there is always a lot of hype when India is in town,” but for team SA every match is a big match.
Playing India would be a learning experience for some of those who are new in the squad, the coach felt though the strong line-up of both batsmen and bowlers is something India needs to be wary about. David Miller, for example, has been under special focus of coach Gary Kirsten and the broad shouldered youngster has been hitting the ball out to lusty sounds at the nets.
“We obviously know that Virat Kohli has been an outstanding player for India over the last couple of years and his record is phenomenal. He is obviously a kingpin in their batting line-up. But guys like Suresh Raina, MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane, too, have been in great form this summer. We are not targeting any individual player. It's pretty much respecting the whole unit because you know that they have got match-winners right through their batting line-up,” he added.
looking to lift the trophy, the South Africans have used up all their resources to be on the top of their game. Besides using the inputs of former India coach Gary Kirsten, the presence of seasoned Australian campaigner of many battles, Michael Hussey as consultant is being considered as a an added muscle. “The most important thing about those two consultants we have brought in is their personalities.
“Hussey is an experienced player; he knows what you would expect from a coach. Gary is an experienced coach; he has been with the side for a long time. He knows when to give some information and when not to. Just having him around is a big source of inspiration and motivation,” he added. The match, he said, was crucial as “results are always important. In front of a big crowd, against a quality side like India, if we win, it would serve as motivation. A lot of positives will be taken if we can beat India at an early stage,” Domingo added.
Meanwhile, the pitch at the MCG, seems to be laid out with some juice in it. That's where SA's seam bowler Vernon Philander comes into the picture. “Vernon as he is good bowler when there is something in the wicket for him. He is most effective in world cricket and I hope he can play big role for us on Sunday,” Domingo said.