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Smith mind games continue
Cricket, 10:00, December 24, 2009 ,
South Africa skipper Graeme Smith believes England's weak middle order means they will stick with six batsmen in Durban.
Ian Bell and Matt Prior contributed just 11 runs between them in the drawn first Test at Centurion batting at six and seven respectively as England went into the match with just four front-line bowlers.
The tourists are still trying to find the right balance to their team following the retirement of star all-rounder Andrew Flintoff from the five-day game with no obvious replacement for the Lancastrian at present.
And so it appears that Andrew Strauss will continue with six specialist batsmen for the second match, which begins on Boxing Day, although Bell's place has come under increasing pressure following his double failure at Centurion.
Smith has never been short of a word or to in the lead up to international matches and he was quick to point out England's failings and the way they have shaped their side to overcome any shortcomings they may have.
"The six batters route is something they seem to be sticking by," he said. "It is a slightly more conservative outlook for them. They probably feel the way their middle order has been troubled in both innings they need to have the extra batting available. "It is certainly an area we're looking at. If we can get some early wickets up front then that middle order is an area we can really expose.
"We've given them a few question marks over their batting line-up. When you collapse like that it always leaves negative thoughts at the back of your mind."