Controlled progress impresses

I distinctly remember how frustrating it was to watch South Africa play in the 2007 World Cup in the Caribbean. During that elongated and soulless event, the SA brains-trust decided to try and break the often-chastised mold of rigidity, which had plagued the team's progress in previous ICC tournaments.

Ticking that box and correctly identifying that problem was correct, however the implementation left a lot to be desired. Think back. In a couple of those games the tactics could only be described as annoyingly reckless.

That disastrous semifinal against Australia at Gros Islet readily comes to mind.

Charging Bracken and scooting down the track when facing McGrath resulted in an indulgence of stump scattering from which South Africa never recovered. A massive smack by 7 wickets was the result, with 111 balls to spare! A nation collectively shook their heads.

That impulsive strategy made no sense and the subsequent implosion stunned those who had high hopes of trophy time. How could they play so well up until then and suddenly lose their minds and be forced to bolt home on the next silver budgie?

That was then, and this is now.

Cleverly South Africa have exploited options in this World Cup but they have done so in a controlled fashion. The variation that has been presented to skipper Smith through squad selection has added an essential, flexible dimension that he has so far utilized superbly. The sharp end of the tournament will present unique challenges, but I currently like what I see.

A massive plus in this campaign compared to previous events is that South Africa look better balanced and far more relaxed than any of their rivals. We all know that in the past South Africa have bolted out of the starting blocks with impressive intent, hurtling towards the silverware at breakneck speed, only to be abruptly derailed.

This time around, Smith's troops are controlled, galvanised and strong. They are surging forward in a determined manner and importantly everyone is pulling their weight. The value of bench strength during a pinnacle event can never be underestimated.

They have boldly shown their hand and alerted all that the days of a stubborn, bulldozing pace attack are long gone. This time around, in suitable conditions, the key to their success will be their variation and flexibility of spin. A previously missing jigsaw piece by the name of Tahir has empowered the team and it matters plenty that their quarterfinal is to be played in Mirpur against opposition who loathe tweakers. That will now suit their strategy perfectly.

The willow-wielders have resisted any outright carelessness and application has been forced upon the top order due to the lack of a catch-up, rescue finisher. They have needed to be positive but sensible in the conditions that have been on offer to enable the likes of JP to improvise during the death overs.

I feel that South Africa have shown enough structure and imagination to have already stamped some sort of signature on this World Cup ...... admittedly it is only in pencil at this stage.

Importantly we have not witnessed any mindless attempts to suddenly alter the course of a match. Invariably, whenever something different has been introduced, it has been a considered and calculated plan that has reaped reward.

May it continue ....... for three more games.