As South Africa trained with gusto at the MCG on Thursday, its preparation for Sunday’s fixture involved two men well acquainted with the opponent.
Gary Kirsten coached India to the World Cup four years ago while Michael Hussey, hired predominantly for his experience in Australian conditions, brings with him the knowledge of players who were colleagues in the IPL.
Both are consultants with the South African team, Kirsten reportedly on a 50-days-a-year contract. Also coach of Delhi Daredevils, he was at the IPL auction in Bangalore before flying out to Australia.
How much the inputs of Hussey and Kirsten will aid South Africa specifically against India is not known, but the latter’s presence is a sign of how important the Proteas deem Sunday’s match.
“Gary has got a certain amount of days and we have allocated some what we see as important stages of the event that we think he can offer us a lot of advice,” the South Africa coach Russell Domingo said here on Thursday.
“This is an important two weeks for us — games against India, the West Indies and Ireland before going back to Auckland. Once we get through this Australian leg, we will reassess again and see when he will join us again.” Vital presence Hussey’s presence was equally vital, Domingo stated. “He is a guy who has won a World Cup as a player, he has been in pressure situations in Australia. He has played under these conditions for a long period of time. He’s a very thoughtful cricketer, he plans meticulously about his own personal game, and hopefully some of the things he can pass onto some of our players,” he said.
India has met South Africa thrice in the World Cup and the latter has won on all three occasions, but Domingo refused to attach any significance to that record.
“I haven’t thought too much about whether we have got a psychological advantage over India or not. India are the current World champions and a wonderful one-day side. Whatever has happened in the past in previous World Cups will count for very little on Sunday,” he said.
