Charl Langeveldt believes that boxing out Kane Williamson is vital to a successful day three against New Zealand.
The Proteas only managed to score 308 in their first innings and have a difficult challenge ahead of them, as they try and restrict the Black Caps on Friday.
The Kiwis ended day two on 177-3 and trail by 131, with Kane Williamson in fine form on 78 off 146 balls. The Black Caps’ captain has scored only one century against South Africa, and he will aim for his second as he looks to lead his side into a strong position.
Proteas bowling coach, Langeveldt, emphasised the importance of grabbing the New Zealand captain’s wicket.
‘I think tomorrow we just have to box smart and then try and contain Kane Williamson,’ Langeveldt told reporters on Thursday. ‘He is definitely the key.’
There is doubt over Ross Taylor’s condition after he retired hurt on 8 with a calf injury, and Langeveldt expressed the uncertainty surrounding his fitness.
‘I’m not too sure if Ross Taylor will come back, but Ross is obviously a good batsman and they have a few all-rounders coming in,’ said Langeveldt.
‘We still have to bowl well to get them out. Tomorrow morning we have an opportunity and then it’s just box smart.’
Langeveldt believes that Vernon Philander will be the bowler to get the important breakthrough, as SA search for a vital morning-session performance from their bowling unit.
‘Kane is on top at the moment, Vern (Vernon Philander) is a strong character and he’ll come back tomorrow morning,’ said Langeveldt.
‘He’ll bowl good areas and he’ll be asking questions. But Kane played really well, we can’t take it away from him.’
Morne Morkel, who bowled in his first Test in over a year, looked in good shape, despite not getting a wicket on day two, and the Proteas bowling coach is happy with what he has seen so far.
‘Well the best thing was that his pace was up, for the amount of overs that he bowled – I think he bowled really well,’ said Langeveldt.
‘He got it in good areas, but the key thing was that Morne Morkel’s pace was back and he was bowling at 100 percent. A plus point for him in that sense.’
Play will resume on Friday at 12 am SAST.
Photo: Anesh Debiky/Gallo Images/Getty Images
