Proteas in top form
AFTER a Test series where the Proteas were spun into a tizzy, many wondered whether the Sri Lankan tour would spiral into a complete debacle with the One-Day Internationals still to come.
But fortunately, the change from red to white ball, coupled with the presence of some fresh faces, has seen a change of fortunes for the Proteas. Not only has Faf du Plessis’s team stretched their winning streak in ODI’s over Sri Lanka to 11 matches, but they have also wrapped up the series with two matches still to play.
This confidence booster is of grave importance, especially with next year’s World Cup in England less than 12 months away. Coach Ottis Gibson was always hoping that series leading up to the quadrennial extravaganza could provide answers to a couple of pertinent questions.
The retirements of marquee players such as AB de Villiers and Morne Morkel after the last home summer was visibly evident during the Test series, and the Proteas could not afford similar gaping holes in the ODI team.
Although Aiden Markram’s form has been disappointing throughout this tour, there have been a host of young and inexperienced players that have put up their hands.
Lions batsman Reeza Hendricks, especially, has grabbed his chance. From the moment Hendricks landed on the island, he has displayed his silky touch so evident on the domestic scene the past couple of years. The fastest century by a batsman on ODI debut is not to be taken lightly, and should provide the 28-year-old with the breathing space to cement the No 3 spot leading up to the World Cup. E qually, Lungi Ngidi continues to improve in every game and should slip straight into Morkel’s slot, while all-rounders Andile Phehlukwayo and Wiaan Mulder continue to improve their consistency.
This all bodes well, especially with senior players such as Hashim Amla, Quinton de Kock, David Miller and JP Duminy rediscovering their form. In fact, Duminy’s positive strokeplay throughout the series has been a real fillip for the Proteas moving forward.
The conditions will undoubtedly be markedly different in England next year, but the Proteas have taken a major step forward in their bid to win their maiden World Cup over the course of the past fortnight.