Steyn steals the thunder

Sunday April 6, 12:16 AM

Ahmedabad, April 5: South Africa had teething selection problems before they started their Indian tour. Full credit to skipper Graeme Smith for holding the team together after the selection process centred around racial quotas. He has trusted lieutenants under his command but none bigger than Dayle Steyn, who has helped his team keep their nose in front. The last seven months have been a wicket-taking ride for Steyn. He has walked away with the player of the series award in South Africa’s last three assignments. And his stupendous show continues in India as well. The red-hot Steyn opened out on the importance of this tour among other issues in an interview. Excerpts:

On his performance in Chennai and here: It was very difficult in Chennai but one cannot complain at this level. It was highly satisfying to be among the wickets in those conditions. The wicket here offered a bit more and I think the Indians did not do their home work and were caught off-guard. It was great to get a five-wicket haul in India. I feel a fast bowler’s resume is incomplete without a good show in the subcontinent.

On Sehwag’s 319 in Chennai: It was a great innings though it came on a placid track. We didn’t know what hit us for some time. We had to go back and work on a few areas. It was important to take him out of his comfort zone.

On bowling in the subcontinent: It is one of the biggest demands in world cricket. Varying speed is crucial. There is no point in hurling at great speed without accuracy. Consistency in line and length is very important. Greater stress has to be laid on preparation when a tour to India is on the horizon. Unless a bowler can quickly shut out scoring areas, it will be extremely difficult to be successful here.

On sledging: I don’t think it is necessary to ban sledging. Such a step will blunt the competitive nature of the game. At the same time, it is important for players to know their limits.

On childhood idols and ambition: I grew up watching the great Allan Donald. As a kid I always wanted to be a fast bowler and I am happy to have realised my ambition.

Email this article to your friend

More Cricket News

Brazil dream of Test cricket status, India may pitch in
Few takers for tickets in Mohali
On Lucknow's streets, coach finds a rare catch
Ponting warms up, Dada skips net session
‘Twenty20 will promote Test cricket’
Chaos at revamped Kotla warm-up tie
IPL not just about fresh legs: Sanath
West Indies win toss and invite Sri Lanka to bat
Coach Arthur ecstatic about South Africa's future
Australia call up Bollinger in place of Hilfenhaus