October 20, 2007	Saturday	Shawwal 7, 1428

LAHORE, Oct 19: Former Test batsman Daryll Cullinan has blamed spinners’ erratic performance for Pakistan’s defeat at the hands of South Africa in the recently concluded two-Test series.

“Pakistan took one thing for granted – that South African batsmen are suspect against spin,” Cullinan, South Africa’s former middle-order batsman, said, adding Geoff Lawson showed his lack of international experience and knowledge of South African cricket by going in with only two recognised pace bowlers in the second Test.

“The spin duo of Danish Kaneria and Abdur Rehman proved to be no threat. Though supported by a hardworking pace attack, the Pakistan spinners were unable to even tie up an end and create some pressure,” Cullinan stated.

“Kaneria was particularly disappointing and one got the impression that the South African batsmen were pretty settled against him. In contrast, the South African left-arm spinner, Paul Harris, proved to be highly economical and accurate and kept the pressure up throughout the series, allowing Graeme Smith to attack with three quick bowlers from the other end.”

South Africa, he observed, would take an enormous amount from this series victory against Pakistan.

In all honesty they were not expected to win, but in the end did so rather convincingly and with not too much trouble. It has come at a good time for coach Mickey Arthur and captain Graeme Smith.

They desperately needed some success after a disappointing World Cup in the Caribbean and World Twenty20 in South Africa, Cullinan noted.—APP