Dane Paterson could make his Proteas Test debut in Bloemfontein but his captain admits he wouldn't want such a young attack for the majority of the season. Photo: Frikkie Kapp/Gallo Images.
Proteas skipper Faf du Plessis hopes the inexperienced bowling attack he’ll need to manage in the second Test against Bangladesh in Bloemfontein isn’t going to be a long-term arrangement this season.
South Africa are currently hamstrung by a freakish number of injuries among their world-class fast bowlers.
Also read: Home boy Duanne Olivier isn’t relying on Bloem’s grass
None of Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel, Vernon Philander and even the more mercurial Chris Morris are available and their collective plight have raised fears over whether they’ll be able to front up later this season when India and Australia arrive.
“I’m still positive about them,” Du Plessis said on Thursday.
“I don’t know when the time will be to rather focus on the future. I would say I hope Dale, Vernon and Morne play for three or four more years. But I’m not a doctor, I don’t know how their bodies will hold up. Let’s just say when I retire, hopefully they’ll still be there.”
Naturally, the way the wise trio are managed over the next year or so is going to important yet Du Plessis believes it shouldn’t mean they should be wrapped in cotton wool unnecessarily.
In fact, the example of Morkel’s remarkable return from a serious back injury illustrates that older players arguably need to work harder.
“Age is going to be a factor. Dale and co have reached the stage where their bodies are going to have more niggles,” said Du Plessis.
“You actually need to work harder at this age. Morne showed the way. The work he did behind the scenes was a great example for the younger guys. Our bowlers understand they possibly need to do more than they used to. All those overs do catch up.”
That doesn’t mean the Proteas captain is glum over the prospect of seeing rookies like Duanne Olivier and Dane Paterson taking responsibility with Kagiso Rababa.
If anything, it’s an ideal opportunity.
“A guy like Duanne prefers the new ball and he’s playing at his home ground. Against a team like Bangladesh it’s really important to gauge your resources,” said Du Plessis.
“We’ve never been in a scenario where four regulars are missing. But now we’ll know what we have if we’re in such a position again.”
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