Van Der Dussen on top of game
World Cup nod for batsman who can float in order
Hendrik Erasmus “Rassie” van der Dussen isn’t a Johnny-come-lately from a domestic cricket perspective.
After all, he was the Mzansi Super League’s top run scorer with 469 runs in 11 innings at 58.62 while also occupying the same position in the Four-Day Franchise Series last season with 959 runs at 73.76 in 18 innings. He’s also been around the domestic block for just under 11 years and his selection to the Proteas ODI squad for the Pakistan series that starts on January 19 in Port Elizabeth is the final lap in regards to the Proteas’ World Cup puzzle.
It’s been a tough one for national convenor of selectors Linda Zondi to put together since AB de Villiers retired.
However, it’s clear the search has narrowed down to the one batsman who cannot only float in the order, but ensure the score moves along in the crucial 11th-39th over middle period block in ODIs.
“It’s been a case where Van der Dussen has always done well in the franchise system,” Zondi said. “More importantly, he’s the type of player who can bat anywhere from number three to number six. When you look at his white ball record (3,094 runs at 43.57 in 82 innings), it shows he’s a guy who’s really pushed hard in terms of being recognised. It also helped him going around the T20 leagues around the world and that’s improved his game.”
“We don’t want to leave out anyone whom we feel may play a role in the World Cup, especially in the middle order. We need to have options.”
While the current squad has been picked for the first two games, Aiden Markram is the one big batting name who’ll sit out the early encounters while JP Duminy and Lungi Ngidi haven’t been considered because of injury.
Hashim Amla makes a welcome return after missing the Australian limited overs junket because of injury while Cape Cobras seamer Dane Paterson has also been selected.
South Africa have 10 more matches before their opening World Cup encounter against England at the Oval on May 30.