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Arthur pinpoints England vulnerability
14:45, Dec 24 2009
South Africa see a vulnerability in England's batting which they believe they can continue to expose, starting in the second Test at Kingsmead.
England lost five wickets for 13 runs before holding on for a Centurion draw in the first Test - and that collapse, coupled with opener Alastair Cook's lack of recent runs, has got the home bowlers licking their lips.
South Africa coach Mickey Arthur expects England to once again select six batsmen and just four bowlers, a prospect with which he appears pretty happy as he said: "I think their middle order struggled a little bit during the first Test."
He added: "There's pressure on Cook and on (Ian) Bell.
"I wouldn't expect England to go with five batters and (wicketkeeper Matt) Prior at six, given what happened at Centurion.
"I think they'll play six. But two of those come into the Test under a bit of pressure."
South Africa have prospered with a similar selection policy for several years. But as Arthur points out, they have the "luxury" of Jacques Kallis - a world-beating all-rounder who is frontline in both disciplines.
"We've been very lucky to have a guy of Jacques' ability to bat four and bowl at 140kph," he said.
As for the remainder of South Africa's resources, Arthur confirms that if Dale Steyn is fit - the fast bowler pulled out on the morning of the match last week - after his hamstring strain, Friedel de Wet is likely to drop out.
"Dale bowled 10 overs at virtually full pace on Wednesday, and there's been no comeback - so I'm pretty sure he'll be fit to take his place," the coach reported.
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