Want to Bowl Really Fast? Eat Biltong, Says Proteas Fast Bowler Gerald Coetzee
Proteas fast bowler Gerald Coetzee attributes his speed to eating biltong, a dried, cured meat from South Africa.
Coetzee has been a standout performer for the Mumbai Indians in this season’s IPL, even as fast bowlers generally face challenges.
Proteas Star Makes IPL Impact
In a tightly contested match, Coetzee helped the Mumbai Indians secure a narrow victory over the Punjab Kings last Thursday. He made significant contributions, taking early wickets and returning during the critical moments to thwart a comeback from the Kings, ending with impressive figures of three for 32 in his four overs, complementing Jasprit Bumrah’s three for 21.
This win propelled the Mumbai Indians to seventh place in the IPL standings.
“What a game! We started really well. Cricket’s a funny game. We thought we had it, they batted really well. Then it was like a see-saw,” Coetzee remarked.
Biltong Gives You Wheels, Claims Proteas Star
Coetzee, known for his rapid bowling and venom, revealed a quirky dietary secret when asked about his pace: “You need to eat a lot of biltong and the wheels will come up,” he advised aspiring fast bowlers.
World-Class Attack
Bumrah initially set the tone for the team after they posted a score of 192. “Of course, you want to make an impact early on when the ball does something,” Bumrah told ESPN Cricinfo. “In this format, the ball might swing for the first couple of overs. And when I want to bowl more, I play Test cricket. That’s where I satisfy all my desires for more bowling. Here, when the ball swings early, you want to make an impact, and I’m happy to contribute when the opportunity arises.”
Focus on What You Can Control
Bumrah explained how he manages to perform in T20 cricket by concentrating on factors within his control. “Obviously, this format is a bit challenging for bowlers because batsmanship is advancing,” he noted. “Time restrictions [over-rate penalties] and the Impact Player rule don’t help much as they deepen the batting line-up and diminish the bowler’s role by giving teams an extra option.”
“However, many of these factors are beyond your control. What you can do is prepare as best you can and back yourself in any situation. Doing this will put you in a good mindset, allowing you to go out there and execute with a smile,” he concluded.
