Ahead of his team’s T20 World Cup 2022 clash against India, South African fast bowler Anrich Nortje said he and Kagiso Rabada form one of the best pace attacks in world cricket and backed the bowling unit to test the Indian batters on Sunday (October 30).
The high-anticipated match is slated to be held at Optus Stadium in Perth – the venue which assists the fast bowlers as it offers steep bounce and good carry.
"Yes, we back ourselves. We see ourselves as one of the best pace attacks there is. I think we're definitely going to back ourselves," Nortje said on eve of the game.
Anrich Nortje also mentioned that the Proteas attack covers all the bases. Nortje is all about raw pace, Rabada can swing and seam deliveries upward of 145 while Marco Jansen generates steep bounce with his 6 feet 8 inch height. Wayne Parnell brings the left-armer’s angle to the table and Lungi Ngidi can hit the deck hard if need be.
"We have a great variety. We cover a lot of aspects. We cover a lot of bases with our attack. We back ourselves against any team to go out and do what we have to do on the day to try and get over the line.
"Then we've got two spinners as well. So we definitely back ourselves in that department, and I'm sure the boys are looking forward to tomorrow."
While Nortje supports the idea of two bouncers per over, he is still ready to sensibly use one that is there on offer.
"Yes, with T20 cricket, hopefully somewhere in the future we can have two bounces in an over. That would be unbelievable.
"But on wickets like these, obviously, you have one bouncer per over, so you have to try and just sort of time it properly and, like you say, not to get carried away. Sometimes it can look nice, but it's not effective.
"So try to be as effective as possible, try to keep the emotions intact," he remarked.
According to Nortje, it is important for a fast bowler to remain calm while playing on wickets such as Perth.
"Yeah, just try and be calm in situations where I think the adrenaline is flowing. Generally, we're just going to look to try to keep it in our areas and try and sort of identify what is a good length and a good line on the day."
(With PTI inputs)
