Kolkata victory marks new era for SA cricket

PROTEAS’ SPIN REVOLUTION

- ZAAHIER ADAMS

THE Proteas’ historic Test victory at Eden Gardens was significant for a number of reasons, but none more so than the culmination of the spinners’ revolution that has been unfolding.

South Africa have traditionally endured an uncomfortable relationship with spin bowlers, often viewed as nothing more than a luxury possession - always “nice to have’, but never considered an essential element of attaining success.

It is easy to understand the reasoning. Pitch conditions in South Africa have generally favoured the fast bowlers. Since 2000, in a sample size of 120 Test matches, fast bowlers have prospered the most with 3 083 wickets at an average of 28.30. It stands to reason, then, why South Africa's toy eight highest Test wicket-takers of all time are seam bowlers.

Domestically, however, there has been a significant change. While the Test surfaces may still be conducive to pace bowling, the overall squares are worn out and on their last legs. This has resulted in spin dominating the first-class arena for the past five years. Only once during this period has a seam bowler, Beyers Swanepoel, topped the CSA Four-Day Series wicket-takers list.