The Hindu : Sport / Cricket : March 12, 2006: inspiration for South Africa

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March 12, 2006: inspiration for South Africa

Coach Mickey Arthur. — Photo: AP

PORT-OF-SPAIN (Trinidad): South Africa only needs to remember March 12, 2006, to get inspiration ahead of the World Cup.

That was the day it posted 438 — the world's highest ever one-day run-chase — to beat Australia. And Australia's innings of 434 was the highest total posted in a limited-overs international.

Not only did South Africa shake off its choker tag in matches against Australia, it caused a rethink of how it approached one-day cricket.

Major shift

``The 438 was a major shift,'' South Africa coach Mickey Arthur said. ``I came in with a game plan, that we wanted to change the way the guys thought a little bit and it's always hard to change the way you play.

``So 438 was where everything clicked and where the guys bought into it, the way forward, in terms of being more positive, looking to strike with the new ball when we bowl, looking to take on the sweepers when we're batting.

``Obviously conditions play a role. But it was a mind-set change that we went through.''

Not the best of runs

South Africa hasn't had the best of runs in World Cups. In 1999, a last-wicket run out left the Proteas tied against Australia when they needed a win to advance to the final.

In 2003, host South Africa didn't read the Duckworth-Lewis figures properly and tied a match against Sri Lanka and failed to progress to the Super Six.

Arthur, who took over in May 2005, has analysed every part of his team's game to turn that around and it has led to South Africa taking the No. 1 ranking off Australia last month.

``We set ourselves small goals, we set ourselves targets,'' Arthur said. ``I think the key is not to look too far ahead, which we never did.

Approach to the Cup

``It's very easy to say we're building for a World Cup, but you've got four series in between. After the 438 game, where we said `you just play for the next ball and the ultimate thing might take care of itself,' I guess that's how we approached our run up to the World Cup.''

Teamwork has also played a role.

``Each guy knows where he fits in,'' Arthur said. ``I think that is one of our strengths. When we get ourselves in a position, we always back the guy coming in.''

On Saturday, South Africa travels to Jamaica for Sunday's opening ceremony before relocating to St. Kitts where it opens its tournament against the Netherlands on March 16. It also plays Australia and Scotland. — AP

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