Rassie and Elgar get some valuable time in the middle
IT will be another nine months before Rassie van der Dussen’s left forefinger functions properly again. But for now he can bat, and as far as the Proteas are concerned, that is all that matters.
Van Der Dussen had his first serious innings in almost three months yesterday, spending around two hours at the crease in Potchefstroom, to score 45 for the DP World (Gauteng) Lions in their 4-Day Series clash with the North West Dragons.
Van der Dussen injured the finger while fielding during the second Test against England in Manchester. The knuckle was effectively shattered when struck by the ball and he still can’t straighten it, but it’s good enough to bat.
“I was expecting a lot more pain and discomfort, but it actually went Okay,” he said of the training sessions against the Lions attack.
He showed no signs of discomfort at the JB Marks Oval, and was probably tested more by his teammates at training than anything he faced from the Dragons on a placid pitch.
Van der Dussen couldn’t have hoped for an easier outing on his
return and he was probably feeling a little bit too comfortable when he loosely drove at a half volley from Renaldo Meyer, which he edged through to the wicketkeeper shortly after lunch.
For Van der Dussen the next few weeks provide crucial game-time to get into the right mental state for the three
match Test series against Australia.
“You have to prepare almost for the worst in terms of pressure, skill, abuse and all those lovely things Australia brings,” he explained. “The next two or three weeks, the aim is to really get out of my comfort zone and make sure the training is harder than (playing) is out there.” Van der Dussen knows he and the batting unit have underperformed in the last year, but cites mitigating circumstances.
“If you look at numbers, it’s probably been inconsistent and not where we want it to be. We haven’t scored enough hundreds and our averages aren’t what some of the other country’s players’ are. But if you look at the last two years, the conditions that we have played in have been really tough, and I think we must see it in context.
“While not looking for excuses, the conditions in the last two years (were tough) and if you assess a situation you must look at it in context. I think actually we’ve done alright. Our position on the (World Test Championship) log says we’ve done Okay.”
South Africa is in second place behind Australia on the WTC table and a series win next month will go a long way towards securing them a spot in the final next year.
Besides Van der Dussen’s return, Dean Elgar’s century for the Multiply Titans at SuperSport Park yesterday would also have eased some of interim coach Malibongwe Maketa’s concerns.
On a pitch with good pace and bounce he played a pleasing innings and was eventually dismissed for 137 - the 45th first class century.