Bavuma justifies selectors’ choice
On-form Hendricks failed to feature in Proteas Aussie tour
Temba Bavuma addressed the non-selection of Reeza Hendricks during the T20 World Cup after the Proteas arrived back from Australia.
Proteas selectors backed an out-of-form Bavuma to open the batting with Quinton de Kock in their campaign, which meant the in-form Hendricks played no part in the tournament.
Hendricks has scored 57, 53, 70, 74 and 42 in his last five T20 innings. In contrast, Bavuma made two ducks and three in the T20I series in India, before scoring 70 runs in five matches at the T20 World Cup at an average of 17.50 and a strike rate of 112.90.
Bavuma said there had been robust selection meetings during the T20 World Cup but didn’t mention any player names.
“In terms of strategy, those conversations happen pretty much every game. As you would have seen, we select the team based on conditions,” he said.
“In terms of form, it is the World Cup and you are always going to show confidence to guys you feel are your best XI, and
that’s exactly what we did.
“There might have been players who weren’t in form but you still have to show faith and confidence in those guys that they can still put in match-winning performances.”
Bavuma suggested that keeping Hendricks sidelined was partly to avoid putting him under undue pressure.
“The last thing you want at a World Cup is giving someone a place who doesn’t have the type of experience or someone who hasn’t come across the emotions of the World Cup and expect him to do the business for the team,” he said.
Meanwhile, CSA director of cricket Enoch Nkwe said he did not get involved in team selection. “We have people that are in charge of selection and I leave it to them.” –