The 24-year-old has a lot of potential to succeed, according to batting coach Ashwell Prince, who also praised his ability to counterattack when the team is under pressure. Conrad loves a player with his skill level at number three, he continued, and he thinks Stubbs has what it takes to be a major contributor for South Africa.
Despite trying seven batters at number three in Test cricket since Hashim Amla’s retirement in 2019, none of them were able to make an impression. In the series against the West Indies, head coach Shukri Conrad chose to try Tristan Stubbs at the same number after all of the cricketers on the list—Zubayr Hamza, Aiden Markram, Keegan Petersen, Rassie van der Dussen, Theunis de Bruyn, Heinrich Klaasen, Tony de Zorzi, and Raynard van Tonder—failed at one point.
Despite his magnificent half-century in the first Test, the young player has a huge shoe to fill. Stubbs can solidify his position at number three if he performs well in the forthcoming away series against Bangladesh, which will put his abilities and character to the test.
Because of his passion for playing cricket, Shukri’s choice to fill that role is a good one. Stubbs has the ability to change the course of a game, counterattack when the team is under duress, and handle the new ball with adequate skill, Prince said IOL Sport.
In that position, Shuks like players like him. Someone who can maintain composure while simultaneously changing tactics and attacking the opposition’s bowling attack. I think he will be a major contributor for South Africa because I really like his mindset,” he continued.
The game of test cricket is evolving, as new players are entering and forcing their will on it: Ashwell Prince
In recent years, test cricket has seen tremendous shift as teams have begun to play with greater aggression. Prince thinks Stubbs will be a good fit in that approach because he knows that aggressive play is more important in red-ball cricket than players who can wear out bowlers by staying at the crease for extended periods of time.
Indeed, it is Test cricket, but the majority of nations now take a more positive stance, like Stubbs. They come to play. Wearing down the bowlers by occupying the crease for as long as possible was the strategy used back then.
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The game, however, has advanced. Stubbs is a player who can accomplish that, Prince added, in response to others entering the game and forcing themselves on it.
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