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Du Plessis pins hopes on Steyn’s X-factor for success in SL

CricketDu Plessis pins hopes on Steyn's X-factor for success in SL

He might have featured in only one Test over the last 18 months but Dale Steyn’s ability to ‘reverse’ the red ball will be crucial in South Africa’s quest for a Test series win in Sri Lanka, said captain Faf du Plessis ahead of the opening Test match. Steyn, whose career hit a roadblock following an injury ridden spell on the sidelines, is all set to feature in the first Test at Galle, beginning from tomorrow and considering his past success in the sub-continent, South Africa will rely on the 35-year-old veteran to make an impact once again.Steyn

“Dale’s X-factor is how he picks up wickets with a reverse-swinging ball,” du Plessis pointed out. “His way of getting wickets with the new ball is getting it to move around a little bit with swing, and a little bit of seam, really consistently. But there’s a period of the game when Dale gets his tail up. He gets one wicket, and is up there with the most dangerous bowlers in the world, because he is so skillful, and he can get the ball to reverse swing at pace.”

Despite the success Lungi Ngidi achieved in the home season earlier this year, Steyn’s outstanding record in the sub-continent where he averages 20.80 after 16 Tests will help him slot into the playing XI straightaway following his comeback. “I’m hoping to see Dale bowl really quick again,” du Plessis said.

“He hasn’t bowled for a long time, so he’ll be excited to get the opportunity. It’s a good sight to see when he gets the ball reversing, and he’s running in and keeping those legs really really fast.”

Apart from Steyn, Kagiso Rabada will also be determined to prove a point. Despite his rise to the top, Rabada has not been tested in the sub-continent so far considering he has played only three out of his 30 Tests in Asia. Those three were his first in Test cricket and it came in India in late 2015, where he bowled only 49 overs picking up two wickets. Du Plessis though expects his new pace spearhead to put on a show in the sub-continent this time around.

“I have seen growth in him since the India tour,” the skipper noted. “I think that’s what’s remarkable about KG, is how quickly he learns. That was his first subcontinent tour and I believe he’ll learn from that – the way he’s improved his control.

“Dale has been the spearhead, but I think KG (Rabada) will take over that mantle. He’s got the skill, he’s got the pace and he’s got the control to do well in all conditions around the world.”

Like Steyn, du Plessis believes Rabada’s ability to reverse will also come in handy apart from his raw pace. “With his skills, he’s got the ability now to swing the ball both ways with a reverse-swinging ball, which is a skill that not a lot of bowlers have,” he said. “And once again, pace against any subcontinent team is something you want try and expose. We’ll have to see to what extent the wicket allows for that. It’s good to see him bowling quick again after his recent injury. He looks hungry to perform in the series.”

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