The Hindu : Sport / Cricket : I am doing a holding role: Botha

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I am doing a holding role: Botha

Special Correspondent

Mirpur: Amidst a varied trio of leg-spinner Imran Tahir and left-arm spinner Robin Peterson, Johan Botha has had middling success while gaining a wicket each against Ireland and Bangladesh. The South African believes that he and his fellow spinners have done well in an attack that still rides heavily on Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel.

“Immy (Imran Tahir) is a very attacking spinner and has got wickets. So has Robin (Peterson). I am probably doing a holding role, controlling from one side while they take the wickets. We have world class spinners, who have done their job and we got a very good bowling attack,” said Botha.

The off-spinner said that gaining wickets in the first 10 overs curbs the run-rate. “You do want to get wickets in the first 10 overs and that's the best way to stop the run-rate. I have been speaking to Robin (Peterson) and he did a great job (three for 22) against England. Our seamers dominate and they are world class but Immy and Robin have got a lot of wickets and that's great for the team in the middle overs too,” Botha said.

Looking ahead to Friday's quarterfinal here against New Zealand, Botha said that the match will be close.

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