– Cape Town Expect the Proteas to hold back on their impending white-ball tour of India, according to coach Mark Boucher.
Friday marks the departure of the Proteas men’s team for the subcontinent, where they will play three T20Is and three ODIs. The significance of the first leg of the tour lies in the fact that it is the team’s final match preparation before the T20 World Cup in Australia next month.
With Rohit Sharma’s team in the same T20 World Cup group as the Proteas, Boucher will consequently play some cards close to his chest. On October 30, both teams will meet at the Optus Stadium in Perth.
“It’s a monumental tour for us, the tour preceding the World Cup,” remarked Boucher.
“We expect to see a few possibilities and give players exposure, although in Indian conditions. We are aware that we will face a different opponent in Australia, but I am confident in our team’s ability to achieve success.
“Do not expect us to attack them with our entire team. There are three Twenty20s and three One-Day Internationals (ODIs) in India to get the lads in shape and ready. I want to examine combinations, maintain contact with them in terms of form, and boost their confidence.”
After a near-catastrophic start to his Proteas coaching stint in which the national side lost six consecutive T20I series, Boucher and his team have staged a spectacular turnaround in the shortest format, winning five of their past seven series, losing one (Australia at home) and drawing another (India away).
Due to a hand injury sustained in the second Test against England in Manchester, veteran right-hander Rassie van der Dussen has been ruled out of the India tour and the T20 World Cup.
Van van Dussen’s enforced absence forces a lineup adjustment, but this could pave the way for a seamless transition for captain Temba Bavuma’s comeback after he missed the United Kingdom tour with an elbow injury.
The meteoric development of Tristan Stubbs has also provided the coaching staff and selectors with numerous choices in the middle order. Stubbs, who was acquired for the highest price of R9.2 million at the inaugural SA20 League auction earlier this week, has given a breath of fresh air to the Proteas camp with his reckless attitude to batting.
“Losing Rassie van der Dussen and his aura around the team is devastating,” stated Boucher. “However, we are lucky to have many candidates for selection; the rivalry for spots is fierce.” Moreover, we can compete in any environment.
“The benefit of being together for a long period is that we have continuity, as well as some interesting fresh talent without wounds from the past.
“Many teams are unaware of Tristan Stubbs, which makes him a deadly opponent. We did not hurry him into selection, and when he arrived in England on a large stage against a very talented England squad, he demonstrated his abilities. He is an exciting possibility that few organizations are aware of, which is fantastic.
“Over the last 25 to 30 T20 games, we have been the most successful team, and we have a large number of exceptional players. I am certain that we have ample ammunition; now it’s a matter of encouraging the players to go out and be world-beaters.”
@ZaahierAdams