Ian Baker - Pietersen and Trott to shine
16 Dec 2009 - 09:34:00
Jonathan Trott and especially Kevin Pietersen can expect a fierce reception when the first test of a greatly anticipated series starts on Wednesday in Centurion.
It's the pair's first test in their "homeland" and Graeme Smith has already upped the ante. When asked at Tuesday's press conference about whether he will giving Pietersen and Trott any special treatment, the South African skipper replied: "Are they South African or are they English? If they're playing for England will treat them like England players."
But I'm backing England's South Africans to thrive in this environment.
Pietersen has shown time and time again what a quality player he is especially in a pressure-cauldron. His first two ODI centuries in hostile conditions in South Africa in 2005 were prime examples - and he should expect the abuse to get worse, not better.
Pietersen, the man with the ego, has certainly not endeared himself to citizens of his old country. He blasted South Africa in his 2006 autobiography, Crossing the Boundary, and in particular their quota system which, he claims, forced him to move to England.
Regarded as a traitor, Pietersen will be in for a tough time from both South African fans and players.
Trott may not get it in the neck so much. He has largely kept quiet on his reasons for leaving South Africa, but still may get some flack. Nevertheless, he has the temperament for Test cricket and can make that No.3 position his own.
For South Africa, Smith is a big threat and much will depend on whether Jimmy Anderson can get his lengths right when bowling to the home captain.
Smith was a prime lbw contender, especially when facing Matthew Hoggard on England's last tour in South Africa.
I also think Hashim Amla is starting to look the real deal and is someone who England need to get out quickly.
After a difficult start to his Test career, Amla has come of age over the last year, scoring 589 runs at an average of 49.08, most of which came against Australia.
To add an extra spice to it, the pitch in Centurion is probably the greenest I've ever seen. It's a definite win the toss, put the opposition in wicket.
And on that basis, it could be a very short first test indeed. It certainly looks like being a baptism of fire for Pietersen and Trott, back in South Africa - for more reasons than one.
IAN BAKER WILL BE BLOGGING FOR CRICKET.CO.UK FROM SOUTH AFRICA THROUGHOUT THE TEST SERIES
