Few know the South African cricket team better than ex-coach Mickey Arthur, but even he admitted to having no idea why the Proteas went with four quicks for the first Test against Australia at the Gabba.
Arthur held the Proteas reins for five rollercoaster years, a ride that abruptly ended in 2010 after guiding South Africa to the world No.1 ranking and their first Test series victory on Australian soil in 2008-09.
Now as Australia’s coach, Arthur is relishing the chance to turn the tables on his former side in a three-game series in which the Test No.1 ranking will go on the line.
Arthur has cheekily dubbed the series “his Ashes”.
Yet despite his intimate knowledge of the Proteas, Arthur admitted he was baffled when they opted to cut leg-spinner Imran Tahir and inject debutant quick Rory Kleinveldt into an all-out pace attack at the Gabba.
South Africa’s decision looks set to backfire on them after part-time spinner JP Duminy was ruled out of the first Test and beyond with a torn Achilles due to a freak training mishap suffered post-stumps on Friday.
“I have to be honest I was a little bit surprised,” Arthur said on Saturday after rain washed out day two action with South Africa set to resume at 2-255.
It was assumed Kleinveldt had been picked to make his Test debut because of doubts over veteran allrounder Jacques Kallis’ ability to bowl due to injury, but Arthur was left scratching his head when Kallis was given a clean bill of health.
“Baring in mind that everyone is fit to bowl – but we don’t know inside information – it did surprise me,” Arthur said.
“Because traditionally you probably need a spinner at the end of the game.
“But we don’t know what is happening there.
“But who knows if that is going to be the right decision. Only time will tell.
“However, whatever attack they have out there is going to be very good.”
Arthur opted to hand left-arm quick Mitchell Starc 12th man duties for the first Test and include off-spinner Nathan Lyon with three quicks – a gamble that has not paid off to date.
Lyon boasts the less than impressive figures of 1-61 off just 12 overs ahead of day three action.
