Pairing Innovations with Conventional Cricket Brings Success in Twenty20

The final four nations in the World Twenty20 all have something in common. They have all managed to find the right blend of masterful technicians and bruising bullies.

There are those who argue that the best cricketers adapt to all forms of the game, whereas others hold the view that to achieve success in the shortest form of the game you must be littered with specialists. The truth, as is so often the case, lies somewhere in between.

Those who have exited stage left have failed to combine these two elements. In a game that ebbs and flows so quickly and so often, a wide range of talents are required to succeed.

In India’s case, batting pedigree alone was not enough and perhaps their side was too youthful and relied too heavily on those who had shone in the IPL.

The complete opposite accounts for England’s demise. Specialist players Napier, Mascarenhas, and Morgan found themselves cast aside in England’s most important fixture and the lack of big hitting was worryingly evident.

Against the West Indies, England managed a barren spell of nine overs without a boundary, a spell that ultimately cost them their semi-final place.

Australia too lacked that X-factor. The current 50 over World Cup holders won that title thanks to brutish performances from Hayden and Gilchrist.

Without these two and the controversial Symonds, Australia lack that aggressive, assertive figure that can stamp his authority on a tournament. Spinners have thrived in this environment and this is another area of weakness for the Aussies.

Contrast this with South Africa, the most balanced side in the competition. They have a perfect combination of young and old, specialists and traditionalists.

The batting line up is adorned with the names of Gibbs, Smith, Kallis, De Villiers and Boucher, players who can adapt from test cricket to Twenty20 with consummate ease.

This competition has highlighted that for all its panache, Twenty20 still has a place for those who excel in the five-day format.

South Africa’s new breed is the perfect accomplice to the veterans. Botha and van der Merwe may not be world beaters but they are respectable spinners, particularly in this form of the game.

Couple that with the ferocious and feared pace duo of Steyn and Parnell and you have one of the most economical bowling outfits in world cricket.

Sri Lanka are another classic example. Twenty20 is an innovative and exciting format and the Sri Lankans, more than any other nation, have reflected this in their style. The unorthodox bowlers are a revelation and the batting backbone has age and maturity.

The inventions have not merely been restricted to the youthful players either. Dilshan and Jayawardene are proof that you can teach an old dog new tricks.

The West Indies progressed to the semi-finals via the brilliance of Sarwin and Chanderpaul. The two men did not bludgeon and bash their way to the target.

Instead, they intelligently crafted and constructed their scores. The balance was again needed here after they had lost their specialists, Fletcher and Simmons, so cheaply.

The current World Twenty20 and World Cup holders will rue early exits, but in truth the four most balanced sides have made it through to the final four. India, Australia, and England must take note.