Unless the weather gods unleash a joker, the stage is set for what should be a great battle at Lords tomorrow, as the opening test between South Africa and England gets under way. All the focus in the build up over the past few days has been on the Proteas pace attack, with the 'ubber-critical' media in England comparing it to that legendary West Indian attack of the 80's. Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel and Makhaya Ntini need to ignore the praise thats being heaped on them, and focus on just hitting the spot tomorrow, whilst the batsmen do the same.
Coach Mickey Arthur was asked yesterday to compare his attack to the raw pace, hostility and remorseless accuracy of the West Indian team in their heyday, and he said it was really going to! be a treat to watch them bowl this summer. The England batsmen are quick to add however, that they are confident against pace, and as always, Kevin Peterson will be the prime target. KP must be ready to duck under a few rockets tomorrow, but then, Dale Steyn and company will also be well aware that he will severly punish any lapse in line and length. What a prospect, bring it on!
