New blood could help Proteas bloom
THE Proteas have a forgettable history when it comes to World Cup cricket.
The heartache and pain has been tangible from South Africa’s very first participation in the 50-over competition in Australia and New Zealand in 1992.
They haven’t ever gone past the semi-final stage, but have yet another chance to turn the tables in the upcoming T20 World Cup in the US and the West Indies.
The event starts on June 2, with South Africa’s first game a day later against Sri Lanka at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in East Meadow, New York.
So, with a new venue, perhaps a new broom should sweep clean through the Proteas team as well?
Considering all the previous failures, Proteas limited-overs coach Rob Walter may opt to pick a new captain and some fresh blood for the monthlong tournament.
The Indian Premier League and the domestic CSA T20 Challenge are currently on the go, and have unearthed a few new-generation stars that Walter could have a look at.
Batter Tristan Stubbs has done quite well for the Delhi Capitals, while Mumbai Indians fast bowler Gerald Coetzee is joint-second on the leading wicket-takers’ list with 12, and left-arm paceman Nandré Burger has bowled some fiery spells.
In the local CSA T20 Challenge, the likes of Rubin Hermann, Matthew Breetzke, Rivaldo Moonsamy and Ryan Rickelton top the run-scorers’ charts, while Beyers Swanepoel, Nqaba Peter and Siya Simetu are among the leading wicket-takers.
Lions spinner Peter produced a stunning spell in taking four wickets in Wednesday’s semi-final victory over the Titans, and could provide something different to the Proteas’ attack on what are expected to be slow pitches across the USA and the Caribbean.
Of course, Walter will have a core of stalwarts to set the tone for the Proteas at the World Cup, such as Kagiso Rabada, Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller. But it will be of little use for South Africa to stick with a number of other experienced campaigners who have crumbled under the pressure on the global stage in a number of big tournaments.
So, let’s hope that the Proteas will finally bloom at this World Cup.