Cullinan: SA lack spin options

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Cape Town – Former Proteas batsman Daryll Cullinan does not think the Proteas have a good enough spin arsenal ahead of their Sri Lankan tour.

Speaking via a video clip on the ESPNcricinfo website, Cullinan said he expects the Proteas to struggle in the spin-friendly Sri Lankan conditions.

“Sides coming to the subcontinent don’t have time to really adjust (to the conditions) and it’s always an uphill struggle.  

“So I don’t think it really comes as a surprise.“Wickets are always going to be prepared to nullify – like South Africa – their pace attack to suit the home side. 

“I don’t see South Africa, they’ve never had, and I don’t see on this tour, having the spin options. 

“Because ultimately that’s where it has to be won to unsettle Sri Lanka. So it’s the same old, same old, sadly,” said Cullinan.

The Proteas will play three One-Day Internationals (ODI) and two Tests, with the first ODI starting in Colombo on Sunday.

Imran Tahir and Dane Piedt have been included as frontline spinners in the Test squad, while JP Duminy and Dean Elgar are also options.

In the one-day squad, Tahir, Duminy and Aaron Phangiso are the main spin options.

Proteas Test squad: 

Kyle Abbott (Dolphins), Hashim Amla (Cape Cobras, captain), Quinton de Kock (Highveld Lions), AB de Villiers (Titans), JP Duminy (Cape Cobras), Faf du Plessis (Titans), Dean Elgar (Titans), Imran Tahir (Dolphins), Morné Morkel (Titans), Wayne Parnell (Warriors), Alviro Petersen (Highveld Lions), Vernon Philander (Cape Cobras), Dane Piedt (Cape Cobras), Dale Steyn (Cape Cobras), Stiaan van Zyl (Cape Cobras)

 Proteas ODI squad: 

AB de Villiers (Titans, captain), Hashim Amla (Cape Cobras), Quinton de Kock (Highveld Lions), JP Duminy (Cape Cobras), Faf du Plessis (Titans), Beuran Hendricks (Cape Cobras), Imran Tahir (Dolphins), Jacques Kallis (Cape Cobras), Ryan McLaren (Dolphins), David Miller (Dolphins), Morné Morkel (Titans), Wayne Parnell (Warriors), Aaron Phangiso (Highveld Lions), Vernon Philander (Cape Cobras), Dale Steyn (Cape Cobras)