Klusener emerging as South African Hitman (27 May 1999)

27 May 1999

Klusener emerging as South African Hitman

Trevor Chesterfield

Chelmsford (England) - Okay, so what else new can be said about Lance Klusener after his efforts with the ball in "Little England" in Amstelveen, Amsterdam? Whatever he does in the World Cup is becoming a habit. An annoying one, too, if you ask the captains of the opposing teams as the most professional and proficient side in Group A gear for their last game in the group stages with the game against Zimbabwe at the Essex County Ground tomorrow.

Three man of the match awards, a first five wickets for South Africa in this tournament of slogs and a winning smile as he steps up to take the winner's cheque and magnum of bubbly stuff. Along with the other two and that won by which along with the other two, and that won by Jacques Kallis against India in Hove no doubt being saved for the final at Lord's on June 20.

On a day when we had a genuine touch of warm spring weather, temperatures finally climbed out of the ice age and we able to peel off three sets of sweaters, South Africa looked relaxed as they had a light workout after arriving back from their escape to The Netherlands on Tuesday.

Klusener, however, is becoming one of the cult figures of the tournament, along with Darren Gough, Wasim Akram and, to a lesser extent Scotland's braveheart warrior, Gavin Hamilton. If there had been any doubt in South Africa, before this tournament, about Klusener's ability they should have been buried the way the tournament favourites buried Kenya.

As yesterday's B Group games ended with decidedly one-sided results with Australia boosting their chances of a Super Six place with an improved net run rate with the emphatic win over Bangladesh, Klusener was doing his best to dodge the horde of fans wanting his autograph. They all wanted a good look at the red-headed, freckled face guy with the happy grin and the kid next door image.

It had been expected South Africa would have amended their side for the game against Kenya, giving Allan Donald and perhaps Jonty Rhodes a break. But such is way South Africa have been playing, the line up for the game against Zimbabwe tomorrow is unlikely to deviate to that which has all too easily cleaned up the opposition in the last three games

Klusener, who enjoys hiding away at nine in the order when batting, is unlikely to be shifted up the order, either despite Mark Boucher's disappointing run in the last couple of games at three. The five wickets against Kenya takes him to 12 in the tournament and the leading wicket-taker.

Steve Elworthy, not seen as making an impact on the World Cup, has now the best economy rate, taking over from some big names: Courtney Walsh, Shaun Pollock, Gavin Larsen and Curtly Ambrose. At 2.39, Elworthy's medium pace swing and seam has made a big difference when it comes to the main support to Donald, Pollock and Kallis.

Initially Klusener was seen as the back up all-rounder: a useful component when needed. Now he is the leading contender for the player of the tournament award. But, as no doubt Bob Woolmer, the coach, and Hansie Cronje, the skipper will be at pains to tell you, there is still a long way to go.

Their theme of do no write off any opposition is a timely reminder of how over-confidence can nibble away at a team's ability to beat good sides well and maintain that level against lesser teams.

Zimbabwe are now battling for survival for a place in the Super Sixes and their last hope is to beat South Africa and for England to dish it out to India, whose late revival of form and fortunes challenges.

It is a tough scenario for survival, especially as the points being carried through will be helpful to their cause.

At this stage South Africa, with wins over India and England are assured of four, and that is going to kickstart the Super Sixes section. But a win over Zimbabwe will see them go through unhindered and confirming their status while Pakistan, now installed as second favourites, at 7/2 have a game against New Zealand today.

Source :: Trevor Chesterfield