Premium
This is an archive article published on April 2, 2008

We’ve worked out a few things to contain Sehwag: Smith

Joining mindgame launched by his coach, SA capt Graeme Smith said they have the option to bowl short to contain Sehwag.

.

Joining mindgame launched by his coach Micky Arthur, South African captain Graeme Smith on Wednesday said they have worked out a few plans to contain Indian opener Virender Sehwag in the second Test starting at Motera on Thursday.

“As a team it’s important to come up with a game plan. We have the option to bowl short to him (Sehwag). We have worked out a few things (to contain Sehwag). Hopefully, we can execute them well over the next five days,” said Smith on the eve of the match at the Sardar Patel Gujarat Stadium.

On Tuesday, Arthur had pointed out some perceived chinks in Sehwag’s armour and said the Indian opener was susceptible to short-pitched balls directed at his body.

Story continues below this ad

The visiting team’s coach had also praised the Delhi marauder, who played his first pull shot after completing his second career triple ton to join Don Bradman and Brian Lara.

“We had a look at Sehwag’s fantastic innings. We saw that he played his first pull shot after scoring 312. He cuts the ball very well. We plan to target him with short balls into his body and cramp him for space and see how he takes it,” Arthur had said.

Smith insisted the team was confident to do well here on a wicket, which he described, “looks to be a good one with some grass covering on it”.

“We will probably go in with the same team and play only one spinner. We have prepared well and are confident. It’s all about us executing our plans right,” he said.

Latest Comment
Post Comment
Read Comments
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement