Eastern Cape Iinyathi batting coach Tumelo Bodibe was left troubled by the second innings batting collapse that led to the team suffering their first defeat of the CSA 4-Day Series at the hands of the Hollywood Tuskers at Buffalo Park on Sunday.
In their seven-wicket loss, the East London side posted a total of 384 in the first innings with Thomas Kaber getting a century and Jason Niemand and Marco Marais chipping in with important runs.
Opener Niemand made 70 while Marais added 84.
The KwaZulu-Natal inland visitors matched Iinyathi’s total with Tshepang Dithole top-scoring with a fine 162.
Kaber picked up five wickets and Clayton Bosch and Thandolwethu Mnyaka claimed two scalps each.
Paul Adams’ side went back to the crease for the second innings and disaster followed.
Only three batsmen, Niemand (51), Nonelela Yikha (28), and Bosch (11) reached double figures. The team were bowled all out for a paltry 108 in 51 overs.
In response, the Tuskers quickly made their way to 108/3 to take victory.
Batting coach Bodibe admitted the batting performance was below par.
“We’re obviously disappointed with the results, especially with the game being in the balance in the first innings,” Bodibe said.
“The second innings was going to tell if we’re going to be on the winning side, or either draw or lose.
“The way we went about it with the bat was disappointing. The pitch started deteriorating a little bit and started taking spin, and obviously, their spin was on the money.
“Unfortunately, our batters didn’t play well; they didn’t apply themselves, hence in the session after tea that’s when we lost six wickets.
“It put us on the back going into day four; it left us with three batsmen against guys who had been bowling on a deteriorated pitch,” he said.
Bodibe identified the root cause of the collapse as a lack of concentration and consistency.
The major concern is how the Buffaloes failed to adjust to the pitch against a turning ball.
“We have addressed a couple of things. In four-day cricket one session can take the game away from you. Going forward we have to take it one session at a time,” Bodibe said.
“The guys know they’re definitely better than what they did. It’s a matter of applying themselves next time.
“In setting up a game, the second innings is just as important as the first innings.
“It seemed like they were switched on for the first innings but a lapse of concentration put them on the back foot in the second innings.
“Going forward it’s important we understand that every innings is important to set up a game,” he said.
Next up for the Border side is another home fixture against the Northern Cape Heat from December 2-5.
Bodibe said the players were motivated to improve against the Heat before taking on the Eastern Storm.
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