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Delhi coach worried over spin attack
Thursday 05 April 2012

Just before their first IPL 5 match against Kolkata Knight Riders, Delhi Daredevils’ coach Eric Simons expressed his concern over his team’s inexperienced spin attack.

“We do lack a big name as far as our spin department is concerned,” Simons said after his team's practice session at the Eden Gardens on Wednesday. For Delhi, the only spinner with international experience is South Africa’s Roelof van der Merwe. "We got Roelof who has had international success in the past. So, he'll be a key for us. Shahbaz [Nadeem] and [Pawan] Negi too aren't bad either."

He said the team management was devising strategies for the spinners to surprise their rivals. “Now there are a few thoughts and ideas which we would like to use in our spin department to surprise the opposition.” Delhi’s real bowling strength lies in the pace attack which consists of Morne Morkel, Umesh Yadav and Doug Bracewell.

In the absence of Mahela Jayawardene, Kevin Pietersen and David Warner – who all are representing their national teams at present – Delhi’s batting too look a little under-strength. New Zealand’s captain Ross Taylor will too miss the most part of the IPL as he is nursing a broken hand.

Simons said the length of the tournament will give his players enough opportunities to perform at various stages. “In any case though, IPL’s not a sprint; it's a marathon and we hope our players will peak at the right time,” he said.

IANS

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