Domestic and international teams could benefit from a more attacking mind-set at the top of the order in the manner and style which have contributed to teams whose explosive starts have been produced by players such as David Warner and Chris Gayle, said Omar Henry, a former chairman of the national selection committee.
Henry, probed about the role of the belligerent Richard Levi at the Cape Cobras and whether he will be inserted only at the top of the order in limited-overs games, said Levi will also be considered for the Sunfoil Series.
“He is carrying an ankle injury right now. We know that Northamptonshire has used him as middle-order batsman.
“The ultimate question is when you will use him at the top of the order, but teams have benefited when utilizing attacking batsmen at the top of the order.
“Look at what a difference Chris Gayle has made.
“And in 2014, Australia beat us partially thanks to the damage inflicted by David Warner at the top of the order.
“Years ago, Eddie Barlow started a new dispensation at the Free State by instilling an attacking mind-set into the young team led by Hansie Cronjé. They abandoned the style of avoiding a loss first and then pressing for a win, and that new adventurous style carried them to the four-day title.
“At the Cobras we have seen what Richard can do. I remember how we played in Bloemfontein and Paul Adams phoned me and told me it was a green top, but we selected him nevertheless and he managed a century,” Henry said.
Internationally, attacking openers have largely contributed to their team’s test-wins through their explosive approach against the new ball. Australia has won 25 games and lost 13 in which Warner opened the innings, while Matthew Hayden contributed to 71 wins and suffered only 18 test losses when he was at the helm, averaging 50.73 with his flashing blade.
Graeme Smith has won 60 tests and lost 30 in which he opened the batting with his aggressive approach, while Herschelle Gibbs masterminded 44 wins with his debonair approach.
Virender Sehwag ignited many Indian grounds with his flashy batting and might have suffered 28 losses, but also set up 42 wins. The recently retired Indian opener averaged 49.34.
