South Africa’s spinners have dominated Australia, but their fast bowlers have struggled to contain the tourists’ explosive opening pair.
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South Africa have won both ODIs against Australia, but their bowlers have been given an uncomfortable reminder of just how dangerous the tourists can be.
For all the success of Keshav Maharaj and Bjorn Fortuin, the Proteas have struggled to contain Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head with the new ball.
The Australian openers have attacked from the outset in both matches, putting South Africa under pressure before their spinners have had an opportunity to take control.
At Kingsmead, Marsh raced to 60 from just 36 deliveries as Australia reached 90 without loss in the tenth over.
The situation was even more concerning at the Wanderers.
Chasing 366, Marsh and Head put on 130 in just 17 overs, with both eventually scoring 84. Their aggressive approach threatened to turn South Africa’s imposing total into a competitive target.
Once again, however, the introduction of spin changed the contest.
Aiden Markram removed Head before Maharaj and Fortuin helped slow Australia’s progress through the middle overs.
The tourists managed just 35 runs between overs 30 and 40, allowing South Africa to regain control despite their expensive start.
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That has become a recurring theme in the series.
South Africa’s spinners have repeatedly rescued situations in which their fast bowlers have struggled to contain Australia’s top order.
But relying on the slower bowlers to repair the damage is not necessarily a sustainable approach, particularly with the World Cup approaching.
Different surfaces and opponents will present different challenges, and South Africa cannot assume that spin will always provide the answer.
Wednesday’s final ODI in Potchefstroom therefore offers the Proteas an opportunity to address one of the few weaknesses exposed during their series victory.
Whether that means adjusting their bowling plans, changing their new-ball combination or introducing spin earlier, Bavuma has several options.
The Proteas have already demonstrated that they can recover from difficult positions.
Now they have an opportunity to show that they can prevent Australia from getting into those positions in the first place.
A more disciplined start with the ball, combined with the control South Africa have demonstrated through the middle overs, could provide the foundation for a complete performance.
And with a whitewash within reach, there would be no better time to produce one.
Originally published by SA Cricket Magazine.
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