Hat-trick hero inspires Proteas

24 June 2016 - 09:40 By KHANYISO TSHWAKU

The Kensington Oval in Barbados holds a special place in Charl Langeveldt's heart. It was there that he took South Africa's first ODI hat-trick. His victims on May 11 2005 - Ian Bradshaw, Daren Powell and Corey Collymore - never had any pretences of being distinguished batsmen, but they were part of a five-wicket haul that helped South Africa win what was their fourth consecutive ODI series against the West Indies.South Africa's record against the West Indies is impressive; they have lost only six out of 23 matches stretching back to 1992, when Phil Simmons and Brian Lara inspired the Windies to a 3-0 rout of the South Africans.The Proteas need to avoid defeat here tonight if they are to reach the final of this Tri-Nations series against Australia on Sunday.Langeveldt, the Proteas bowling coach, and AB de Villiers were in the team at Kensington Oval last time when South Africa won by a single run"One of the locals reminded me of the hat-trick and said they watched a video of that recently. He asked me to take him through what I was thinking at the time," Langeveldt"I told him I wasn't thinking of the outcome because as soon as you do you're not going to execute things the way you want to."Once I got the first wicket (Bradshaw), then I knew we had a chance. Powell walked in with a cap but I decided not to bounce him because I'd be disrespecting a fellow fast bowler, but I knew he'd play with his ego."Corey was the best batsman to bowl to when you wanted a hat-trick because he was a top-end tailender. Soon as I let the ball go I knew it was out."It's that kind of clarity South Africa will need in their final clash against the West Indies.The Proteas will want to be in control of everything, just like Langeveldt was 11 years ago. Worrying about the outcome could derail the Proteas getting into the final."We are thinking about the final but the next game is the most important one," Langeveldt said...

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