It’s the pacers versus Sehwag, says Morkel

CENTURION - Stopping the initial onslaught of destructive opener Virender Sehwag would be the key element of the home team’s pace attack against India in the cricket Test series starting here Thursday, according to South African fast bowler Morne Morkel.

Morkel, who will pair up with world’s top-ranked bowler Dale Steyn in the first Test, said Sehwag’s wicket early in the innings would be vital to their chances.

“Sehwag is very dangerous when he goes on the charge upfront, he can be very destructive against the new ball. I am looking forward to the contest and the first five overs with the new ball will be vital because that is when you still get good bounce,” Morkel told reporters Tuesday.

“If we can strike early with the new ball and get their middle order in quickly, then maybe we can bowl India out cheaply. It is obvious you do not want Sehwag to get a flying start and Gautam Gambhir was ranked the top in the world not that long ago.”

Batsman Ashwell Prince said he is looking forward to the challenge of playing the number one Test side.

“The weather forecast is not great and as long as there is rain about, there will be a lot of moisture and I will expect the pitch to do a bit, with movement off the seam. But when the sun comes out, it is always a good track to bat on,” he said.

Prince averages an impressive 67 here with three centuries.

“I want to make contributions when the going is tough, but you are not always going to perform in those sort of conditions. It is more important for the team to take 20 wickets than the batsmen to fill their boots. It is important that the conditions support the bowlers too,” Prince said.

The visitors play three Tests and five One-day Internationals during their South Africa tour.