To make sure that the players selected are up to the standards of the upcoming T20 World Cup, selections are primarily based on previous T20I performances. Yet, South Africa hasn’t played a T20I series during the year of the major tournament; instead, they’ve played a couple of series at home against Australia and India in August–September and December, respectively.
In reference to the conditions that lie ahead in the USA and the Caribbean, former South African cricket player and current white-ball coach Rob Walter mentioned that there were a number of yardsticks to be aware of, including recent performances, past performances, and performances from before last year, the squad’s structure, and the latent circumstances that needed to be addressed. Walter also acknowledged a coach’s long-standing intuition.
“There are several requirements. Performances this season, past performances, historical performances going further back, squad composition, and possible circumstances that we may need to balance. Then there is the trusted intuition of a coach from the past. Walter said this in a Daily Maverick interview.
Walter stated that he had complete faith in the skill and ability of speedsters Anrich Nortje and Marco Jansen, who have, by their own admission, had somewhat subpar IPL 2024 campaigns thus far for their individual teams. He was happy that the pacer was hitting faster than previously and that he was getting more playtime and practice sessions. He was optimistic that Nortje would find his rhythm for the balance of the IPL. In addition to making sure the players were making the necessary effort, he said that he and the team management were in constant communication with the players.
“I am confident in the players’ calibre. Before the World Cup begins, Anrich has one more month. He will definitely succeed, in my opinion. His increased speed, playing time, and training are all positive signs. Without a doubt, he will begin to regain his sense of the game. Likewise with Marco [Jansen]. We make constant contact with these guys to make sure they are working hard,” Walter said.
15-member provisional squad of South Africa for T20 World Cup 2024:
Aiden Markram (c), Quinton de Kock (wk), Reeza Hendricks, Heinrich Klaasen (wk), Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Ryan Rickelton (wk), Marco Jansen, Ottniel Baartman, Bjorn Fortuin, Keshav Maharaj, Tabraiz Shamsi, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, and Gerald Coetzee
Travelling Reserves:
Nandre Burger, Lungi Ngidi
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