Newcomers did not step up enough, says SA coach Gibson
CAPE TOWN: South Africa coach Ottis Gibson feels that although the youngsters in the team did well, there was a huge difference in the level of intensity needed and what they are used to performing at.
“If you see, the senior guys got injured. The new guys that came in, the level and the intensity they have had to perform at is different from what they have been accustomed to and they haven’t stepped up and haven’t been able to adapt quickly enough. We’ve seen some exciting new talent,” said Gibson, who felt poor fielding cost them the match and series on Saturday.
“We lost the game by seven runs tonight. The difference tonight would be the fielding. Dropped catches, fumbles cost us the game.”
Gibson feels that a lot of players, especially Chris Morris, need to get back to domestic cricket to get their bearings right.
“I think you remember before I got back that all the players were asked to play domestic cricket. So I am a big fan of strong domestic league. If you have international cricketers not performing and then I’d think domestic cricket would be the place to go back. It is how you bounce back and the attitude that you have towards prac- ticing and preparation will help you to get back where you want to be and where you belong in terms of your form, so it is just about those guys being very clear in their minds of what exactly they want to do.”
One of the players Gibson wants to go back to domestic cricket is Morris, who had been inconsistent in his bowling throughout the series.
“He has got some domestic cricket to go and get some consistency, especially in his bowling. He is a match-winner. He needs to find what type of bowler he wants to become and put practice in that and work to become that person.”
The ex-west Indies player feels that the presence of seniors against Australia will make a big difference. “Seniors in any team make it stronger. Especially, the seniors we have coming back. We missed them in this series. So having them back will give a lift.”
The new guys that came in, the level and the intensity they have had to perform at is different from what they have been accustomed to.
OTTIS GIBSON, On SA youngsters
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