Even though Optus Stadium’s green-tinged surface conjures pace and sharp bounce, characteristics that are well suited to them, South Africa’s speedsters have been urged to be restrained as they contemplate loading up with four quicks against India in a blockbuster T20 World Cup clash.
Unleashing the short ball, a particular weapon for Nortje who can consistently bowl at 150kph / 93mph, will need to be used appropriately.
“Hopefully in the future, we can bowl two bounces an over. But when you’ve got one bouncer, you have to time it properly. Not to get too carried away. Sometimes it can look nice but it’s not effective,” he said, “Try to be calm in situations when adrenaline is flowing.”
Whether or not they drastically change their attack, having played on the slower SCG pitch in their easy victory over Bangladesh, Nortje believed South Africa were well-equipped across the board.
“We see ourselves as one of the best pace attacks there is, so we’ll back ourselves against any team,” he said, “We’ve got great variety, cover a lot of bases. We’ve got two gun spinners as well.”
Inclement weather in Australia’s east coast has caused havoc for the tournament, marked by two washouts in Melbourne on Friday, and more could be ahead.
While Perth’s weather has been unpredictable, which is not unusual in October, with bleak clouds hovering over Optus Stadium on Saturday, fine conditions are expected for Sunday’s double-header.
With no threat of rain, the stakes have been raised with the winner of India and South Africa on the brink of securing a semi-final berth.
“There are possibilities of other games being rained out,” Nortje said. “We can just try and win all of our games and make it easier for ourselves. We can’t bank on other games being rained out.”
“The guys have been together for such a long time. Everyone knows where they fit in,” Nortje said. “Guys have been really gelling well. Hopefully we can win the cup. I think it’s a really good team.”