South Africa find an answer in the middle overs

For most of the last year South Africa's middle overs were where games slipped away. A small change in role has done more to fix it than any of the selection debate that preceded it.

A bowler used differently

Rather than holding an all-rounder back for the closing overs, they have been used immediately after the powerplay, when the new batter is still setting up. The wicket column has responded.

The skill did not change. The moment it was used did.

It is a small adjustment, and it will be tested properly on surfaces that offer the bowler less.