Reverse swing is key: Dale

Feb. 8: The sight of Dale Steyn rushing in with rhythm and purpose is starting to become one of the endearing images of modern day cricket. Batting units around the world are finding it increasingly difficult to find solutions to his searing speed, movement and swing. The seven-wicket hero spoke to reporters after another rewarding day in office. Excerpts:
On the plan after tea: Van Zyl (team coach) sat us down during the break and asked us to lift it up a little bit. We had the ball changed because the one we were using had the seam open. We got it to reverse and were also lucky with a few wickets. It just started a roll.
On reverse swing: Before the Test started, we said that reverse swing was going to be a key factor on these flat pitches. You have to rely on getting the ball to do something through the air. I said this before, a 145k yorker, whether its in Johannesburg or Nagpur, is still the same.
On the in-swinger becoming a weapon: It’s something I’ve been working a lot with in the nets. It’s nice to see guys shoulder arms and the ball cannoning into the stumps. I got Ian Bell like that in Johannesburg and that was where it started.
On the ideal length on this wicket: As a pacer, you know that if you pitch the ball up, you’ll be driven. But when you pitch it up, you have a chance of finding the edge.