Nagpur, Mar 9: South African fast bowler Morne Morkel has not done much for his side in the ongoing World Cup but is banking on reverse swing to fetch him wickets during his side's high-profile league match against India on Saturday.
Morkel said previous rewards here for the pace bowlers, including Dale Steyn's seven for 51 in South Africa's Test win against India last year, could mean that their traditional strength might come to the fore again.
"Past performances here, even in the IPL, show that the quick bowlers have a very good record here," Morkel said after team training.
"But the key is reverse-swing and Dale had done so well the last time we were here. There will definitely be an opportunity for reverse-swing and the quicker we get it going, the better for us," Morkel said, while recollecting South Africa's innings victory in the opening match of the three-match Test series here last year.
With the pitch sporting little grass, Morkel said it looked like a batting paradise and his bowlers could come under pressure against the formidable Indian batting line-up.
"Indian batsmen are all dangerous and they can be destructive. We're have to bowl as a unit, but at the end of the day, those batsmen are only human as well," Morkel said.
He admitted that the fine form of South African spinners had meant the role of the fast bowlers had changed during the tournament.
"We've just quietly gone about our business because the pitches have been slow and turning. The roles have been reversed because the spinners would normally just be holding up one end for us when the wicket is green and grassy. But we are now doing the holding job for them, they're the ones attacking," he said.
The 26-year-old has taken just two wickets in his last three matches but said he was confident of returning to his wicket-taking ways soon.
"It has been difficult, especially for me because I rely on bounce not much on swing. But I can use a bit of reverse if it's on offer. I haven't changed anything. I have to keep on doing the right thing and I am sure the rewards will come.
"It's a funny game. A couple of months ago, you are getting wickets and things are going well," said Morkel, who took 12 wickets against India in the home ODI series before the World Cup.
"If I can bowl dot balls and keep one end tight, I've done my job. It will be great to get wickets. We have some important games to come so I know that my day will come soon."
Morkel said his side had put behind last weekend's six-run defeat to England in Chennai when they failed to chase down a 172-run target.
"It's a brand new day and a new challenge we are looking forward to. It's a big game of the tournament against India and we also want to get the momentum going. We've learnt our lessons. We have three games left and we are focusing on our next challenge and that's India." PTI
