Neil McKenzie calls for Proteas batsmen to hit with the spin

South African batting coach Neil McKenzie has reiterated the importance of facing spin on turning tracks such as the one in Providence, Guyana. The Proteas were thrashed by the West Indies in the first ODI of the Tri-series with Sunil Narine picking up six South African wickets. On the other end of the yardstick, Kieron Pollard looked almost at ease as he smashed South Africa’s under par spinners to all parts of Providence.

McKenzie also added that the number of dot balls in the 4-wicket loss at the hands of the West Indies was something that played a major part in the loss. The Proteas lost their last seven wickets for 28 runs as they were bundled out for a paltry 188.

“There were a lot of dot balls in the first match, about 152, we would like to try and rotate the strike a little bit more,” McKenzie conceded.

“We have to try and hit with the spin and try to utilize the space. Boundaries aren’t that easy to come by so it’s probably easier to build a platform patiently and to go for the big shots later on rather than upfront. The skilled shots over cover and mid-wicket are not that easy on a slow deck where the ball tends to stop in the wicket, running between the wickets will be important,” he added.

While the Proteas struggled against the spin, the Australians looked at ease. Especially, David Warner looked at home in conditions that didn’t benefit the batsmen.

“They are the number one team in the world, our players are really motivated,” McKenzie said. “They have some different skill sets, they have good spinners and quality fast bowlers, so it’s about adapting to these conditions. The guys have played with and against each other in the IPLs, CPLs, and Big Bash so everyone knows what each player can do. It will be about who masters the pitch and the situation the best.”