'Quick backed up by metronomic Vernon Philander and quality batsmen'
Sunday 21 December 2014 13:18, UK
Dale Steyn is the finest seam bowler on the planet, says Bob Willis.
South Africa star Steyn produced a breath-taking spell of bowling at Centurion on Saturday morning, taking 6-34 to help the Proteas skittle out West Indies and win the first of three Tests by an innings and 220 runs.
And Sky Sports pundit Willis reckons the 31-year-old should be seen as a “supreme performer” and a level above England’s premier paceman James Anderson.
“Steyn is the best bowler in the world – and a notch above Anderson,” said Willis after the quick recorded his 25th five-wicket haul in Test cricket.
“If someone’s bowling average is under 25 they are great, but when you get down to the like of Steyn, who averages 22.44 compared to Anderson’s 29.72, you are talking about supreme performers.
“We talk a lot about the grip on the ball but the most important thing about fast bowling is the movement of the wrists – Malcom Marshall had it and Steyn certainly has it.
“He will go on and get many more wickets as he doesn’t spend a lot of time out injured and features in most forms, so he is a pretty spectacular human specimen as well.
“With the magician Vernon Philander moving the ball around from the other end and being as accurate with his groupings as a darts player, and batsmen of the calibre of Hashim Amla and AB de Villiers, it’s no wonder this is the No 1 Test team in the world.”
West Indies batted for fewer than 103 overs across their two innings at Centurion, being dismissed for 201 first time around and 131 in their second knock after the Proteas had declared on 552-5.
But Willis says he was not surprised to see the hosts secure such a comprehensive victory ahead of the remaining two Tests, the first of which begins in Port Elizabeth on Boxing Day.
“This is a mismatch as West Indies have struggled desperately in Test cricket, particularly away from home, for a decade,” added Willis.
“We saw how easy it was for South Africa’s batsmen to score runs against this second-rate bowling attack and if Marlon Samuels and Shivnarine Chanderpaul don’t get runs, their batting is county standard – if that.
“They are never going to give the likes of South Africa or Australia much of a match on fast, bouncy pitches and there really is no hiding place for them at the moment.”
Watch the second Test between South Africa and West Indies, from 8.30am on Boxing Day on Sky Sports 2.
